Bug Identifier
Household casebearer (Plaster bagworm)
Community identification

Household casebearer (Plaster bagworm)

Phereoeca uterella

Order & Family
Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
Size
8 to 14 mm (casing length)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found inside houses, on walls, or under furniture. They prefer humid climates and are often seen in closets, bathrooms, and garages.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on spider webs and natural fibers, including wool, silk, hair, and sometimes dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a protective silk case covered with sand, dust, and debris. It can pull its head inside and emerge from either end. Once mature, it attaches the case to a surface to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or spread disease, but they are considered a nuisance pest as they can damage natural fiber fabrics and spider webs. They serve as a minor decomposer by eating silk and hair in the ecosystem.