Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, in carpets, and near natural fiber fabrics like wool, fur, silks, and feathers.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-rich materials, including wool, hair, fur, silk, felt, dried skin, and feathers. They can also damage stored dry goods.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike other clothes moths, the larva carries a silken case around with it for protection, rarely leaving it. The case is camouflaged with fibers from the material it is eating. They tend to be reclusive and avoid light.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are a significant household pest that causes physical damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and taxidermy. They do not bite or sting humans and carry no known diseases, but their presence indicates damage to property.

Identified on: 3/2/2026