Bug Identifier
Household Casebearer (often referred to as Plaster Bagworm)
Community identification

Household Casebearer (often referred to as Plaster Bagworm)

Phereoeca uterella

Order & Family
Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
Size
Cases are usually 8-13 mm long (approx 0.3-0.5 inches)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in humid climates, often in corners, under furniture, or on walls. They originate from tropical and subtropical regions.

Diet & Feeding

The larva feeds on spider webs (old cobwebs), wool fibers, hair, insect debris, and sometimes natural fabrics like wool or silk.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructing a protective, pumpkin-seed-shaped case out of silk, sand, and debris. It carries this case around while feeding and can retreat inside when threatened. They are nocturnal and often spotted climbing walls.

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a harmless nuisance pest. They do not bite or sting humans. While they can feed on wool fibers, they rarely cause significant damage to clothing unless the infestation is large. Their primary diet of spider webs can be seen as slightly beneficial cleanup.