Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, under furniture, or in storage bins where natural fibers are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on keratins found in animal-based fibers including wool, silk, feathers, fur, and hair. They occasionally eat synthetic fibers if blended with natural ones.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae construct a portable silken case 'sleeve' incorporating fibers from their food source for camouflage. They live inside this case, pulling themselves along as they feed, and eventually pupate within it.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant domestic pest that can cause extensive damage to clothing, carpets, and upholstery. They pose no direct health risk to humans or pets but have no ecological benefit in a home environment.

Identified on: 4/11/2026