Webbing clothes moth
Scientific Name: Tineola bisselliella
Order & Family: Order Lepidoptera, Family Tineidae
Size: Adults have a wingspan of 12-16 mm; larvae are approximately 1-10 mm depending on age.
Natural Habitat
Typically found inside buildings, particularly in darkened areas such as closets, wardrobes, and upholstery.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, hair, fur, and feathers.
Behavior Patterns
The adults do not feed and are weak fliers that prefer crawling into dark crevices. The larvae create silken mats or tubes as they feed and go through a complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Risks & Benefits
They are a household pest that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, and heritage textiles. They pose no direct health risk to humans but have no ecological benefits in a domestic setting.
Identified on: 1/13/2026