Bug Identifier
Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)
Community identification

Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)

Tinea pellionella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Tineidae
Size
Case is typically 8-10 mm; larva is around 6-8 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in closets, drawers, and carpets containing animal fibers

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and hair

Behavior Patterns

The larva builds a silk case encrusted with fibers which it carries as it feeds; it undergoes complete metamorphosis inside the case

Risks & Benefits

Significant risk of property damage to clothing and upholstery; no direct health risk to humans but considered a common household pest