Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva)

Global distribution; typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, upholstery, carpets, and storage bins.

Larvae feed on keratins found in animal fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather. They do not eat synthetic fabrics unless blended with animal fibers.

The larva builds a portable case from silk and fragments of its food source, which it carries while feeding. They are photophobic (avoid light) and undergo complete metamorphosis within the case.

Significant textile pest that causes damage to clothing, rugs, and historical artifacts. They pose no direct health risk to humans but can cause substantial economic loss; ecologically, they assist in the decomposition of animal remains like fur and feathers.