
Community identification
Webbing clothes moth (larvae/cases)
Tineola bisselliella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Larvae grow to approximately 10-12 mm in length; adults have a wingspan of 12-16 mm.
Natural Habitat
Dark, undisturbed areas within homes, such as closets, chests, and storage areas where natural fibers are kept.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on keratins found in natural animal fibers including wool, silk, hair, fur, feathers, and leather.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae often spin silken tunnels or patches as they feed. Unlike many moths, adults are sensitive to light and prefer crawling to flying.
Risks & Benefits
Significant risk as a domestic pest that destroys clothing, upholstery, and carpets. They provide no direct benefit to the household ecosystem but help decompose animal remains in nature.