Case-bearing clothes moth larva (case moth larva)

Dark, undisturbed indoor areas such as closets, carpets, upholstery, and stored textiles; larvae shelter inside portable fiber cases.

Larvae eat keratin-containing materials, including wool, fur, feathers, hair, and natural-fiber fabrics; adults do not feed on textiles.

The larva carries a silk-and-fiber case, retreats into it when disturbed, and pupates within or near the case. Adults are small, weak-flying moths that avoid light.

Larvae can damage woolens, carpets, taxidermy, and other animal-derived materials but do not bite or sting people. They contribute modestly to decomposition of keratin-rich debris.