
Community identification
Case-bearing clothes moth (larva)
Tinea pellionella
- Order & Family
- Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Tineidae
- Size
- Case length: 8-10 mm; Larva: 6-7 mm
Natural Habitat
Indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under furniture, or in storage bins and rugs.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-rich organic materials including wool, fur, feathers, hair, silk, and felt.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective silken case covered in debris or fibers from its food source. It carries this 'sleeping bag' with it as it feeds. It undergoes complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Risks & Benefits
Significant household pest that can damage expensive fabrics, rugs, and heirlooms; however, in nature, they provide the ecosystem benefit of recycling animal-based organic matter.