Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Indoors, particularly in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, storage chests, and under furniture. They prefer natural fibers.

Diet & Feeding

Keratin-rich materials, including wool, fur, silk, feathers, felt, and other animal-derived fibers. They also feed on lint, dust, and synthetic-natural fiber blends.

Behavior Patterns

The larva constructs a portable silken case, often camouflaged with bits of the material it feeds on. It remains inside this case throughout its larval stage, extending its head and legs to move and feed. They tend to avoid light and prefer quiet, undisturbed locations. The adult moths are poor fliers and prefer to crawl or make short hops.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and other textiles made of natural fibers, leading to economic loss. They generally pose no direct health risk to humans. There are no notable benefits in human environments; they are considered pests.

Identified on: 10/15/2025