CASEMAKING CLOTHES MOTH (Tinea pellionella)

Biology

• Width: 3/8 to ½ inch from wing tip to wing tip
• Wings are long and narrow.
• Hind wings are trimmed with long hairs.
• Color is buff with a brown touch and 3 dark dots on each front wing.
• Eyes are wider than the space between them.
• Larvae are a pale yellow color.
• Eggs are creamy white when first laid then turn red.

Distribution/Habits

• Larva spins a silk case interweaving some of the fibers it feeds on.
• When the larva moves, it drags the silk case along.
• If larvae becomes separated from the silk case, it will die.
• Larvae pupate in protected areas.
• Males are active flyers, but the females do not fly at all.
• Adults live only 4-6 days.