Bug Identifier
Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva stage)
Community identification

Casemaking Clothes Moth (Larva stage)

Tinea pellionella

Order & Family
Lepidoptera: Tineidae
Size
8 to 12 mm in length (larva)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.