Clothing Moth Larva (Casemaking or Webbing)
Scientific Name: Tineola bisselliella (Webbing) or Tinea pellionella (Casemaking)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Tineidae
Size: Typically 7-10 mm (approx. 0.3-0.4 inches) in length.
Natural Habitat
Dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, drawers, and attics where natural fibers like wool, silk, or fur are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-based materials including wool clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, furs, feathers, and occasionally stored grains.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer darkness and hide deep within fabrics. The casemaking variety constructs a protective silken case around itself, which it drags along as it feeds. They are rarely seen in daylight.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no direct health risk to humans (they do not bite or spread disease), but they are economically significant pests that can cause extensive damage to expensive clothing, rugs, and textiles. There are no ecological benefits in a household setting.
Identified on: 2/27/2026