Case-bearing Clothes Moth

Natural Habitat

Primarily indoor environments, including homes, museums, and warehouses where natural fibers and animal products are stored or present. They thrive in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, and under furniture.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on materials of animal origin containing keratin, such as wool, fur, feathers, hair, leather, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with these materials. They are known to damage clothing, carpets, upholstery, and stored animal products.

Behavior Patterns

Case-bearing clothes moth larvae construct and live within a silken case, which they enlarge as they grow. They drag this case with them and retreat inside when disturbed. Adults are poor fliers and tend to run. Larvae prefer undisturbed, dark areas.

Risks & Benefits

The primary risk is economic damage to textiles and other keratin-containing materials (clothing, carpets, furs, etc.). They do not bite or transmit diseases. There are no significant benefits to humans or the ecosystem in an indoor setting; outdoors, they can play a minor role in decomposition of animal remains.

Identified on: 9/2/2025