Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva)

Found indoors, typically in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, underneath carpets, inside woolen drawers, or on upholstered furniture.

Larvae feed on keratin-rich animal fibers such as wool, fur, feathers, silk, felt, and sometimes hair or pet dander found in dust.

The larva constructs and carries a portable, flattened, tubular case made of silk and mixed with fibers from its food source. It extends its head and legs from the front of the case to crawl and feed. When threatened, it retreats completely inside the case.

Risk: They are a significant household pest causing destructive holes in clothing, carpets, tapestries, and taxidermy mounts. Benefit: In nature, they help break down animal remains (like feathers and carcasses), playing a minor role as decomposers, though this benefit is rarely appreciated in domestic settings.