Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Larva/Case)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in dark, quiet areas like closets, attics, under rugs, and baseboards where natural fibers accumulate.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and sometimes hair or shed pet dander.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a silken case around itself, incorporating fibers and debris from its surroundings which acts as camouflage. It drags this case along wherever it goes and eventually pupates inside it. It rarely leaves the case.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a household pest. They pose no direct health risk to humans (they do not bite or spread disease), but the larvae can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and tapestries made of natural animal fibers.

Identified on: 3/11/2026