
Community identification
Plaster Bagworm
Phereoca uterella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Tineidae
- Size
- Case length: 8-14mm; Larva length: up to 10mm
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid environments; typically found indoors on walls, under furniture, and in closets.
Diet & Feeding
Scavenges on debris, including spider silk, wool, fur, hair, and small dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Larva constructs a protective, flattened silk case covered in sand, dust, and debris. It can turn around inside the case and emerge from either end.
Risks & Benefits
They are considered a minor domestic pest because they can damage silks and wool fabrics; however, they pose no health risk to humans or pets.