
Community identification
Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
- Size
- 8 to 10 mm (larval case)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically closets, carpets, and storage areas with natural fibers
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on keratin-containing materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and silk; they also consume hair and skin cells
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a portable silken case camouflaged with fibers from its food source. It carries this case as it moves and eventually pupates inside it
Risks & Benefits
A common household pest that can cause significant damage to clothing, upholstery, and rugs; no known benefits to humans