
Community identification
Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva stage)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- 8 to 12 mm in length (larva)
Natural Habitat
Dark, undisturbed areas within indoor environments such as closets, pantries, and storage bins.
Diet & Feeding
Animal-based fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, and lint, as well as occasional stored grains.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective silken tube or case incorporating debris and food particles, dragging it along as it moves. They prefer low light and hide within the materials they consume.
Risks & Benefits
A significant domestic pest that causes irreparable damage to clothing, upholstery, and rugs; they do not bite or transmit diseases to humans.