Case-bearing Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Indoors, in dark, undisturbed areas where susceptible materials are stored, such as closets, attics, storage chests, and underneath furniture. They prefer low-light conditions and higher humidity. Occasionally found in bird nests or accumulating lint.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed primarily on natural fibers containing keratin, such as wool, silk, fur, felt, feathers, and lint. They can also infest dried plant materials and synthetic fibers if they contain contaminants like human sweat or food spills.

Behavior Patterns

Case-bearing clothes moth larvae are known for spinning a silk case, often incorporating fibers from the materials they are feeding on. They carry this case with them as they move and grow, enlarging it as needed. Adults are nocturnal and are weak fliers, often found crawling rather than flying. The larvae are the destructive stage.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Significant pests of stored natural fiber goods, causing damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans. Benefit: No notable benefits to humans; however, as part of the ecosystem, they contribute to the decomposition of animal materials in natural settings.

Identified on: 9/3/2025