Case-bearing Clothes Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, under carpets, in air ducts, or baseboards. They prefer humid conditions.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae feed on keratin-containing animal fibers such as wool, fur, cashmere, feathers, upholstery, and carpets. They can also eat dead insects and human hair.

Behavior Patterns

The larva builds a protective, portable case out of silk and debris (fibers from the fabric it is eating) that it carries around like a shell. It can turn around inside the case to feed from either end. When ready to pupate, it will often crawl up walls or curtains to find a secluded spot.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are a significant household pest that causes damage to clothing, rugs, and upholstery by chewing irregular holes in fibers. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers of animal remains, though this benefit is rarely appreciated in a home setting.

Identified on: 2/19/2026