Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, quiet areas such as closets, basements, and attics, often on natural fiber fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on keratin-rich materials including wool, fur, silk, felt, feathers, and occasionally human hair or lint. They may also consume synthetic fibers if stained with food or oils.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective, portable case out of silk and fiber particles (often from the material it is eating) which it carries around like a shell. It lives inside this case, poking its head out to feed and move. It will enlarge the case as it grows.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest because the larvae can cause significant damage to expensive clothing, rugs, and furniture made of natural fibers. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose animal matter, but this benefit is negligible in a home environment.

Identified on: 2/12/2026