Barred White Clothes Moth
Common NameBarred White Clothes Moth
Scientific NameNiditinea fuscella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatBird nests, animal nests, human dwellings, stored product environments
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan, widespread in the Northern Hemisphere (Europe, North America, Asia)
Host Plantsfeathers, fur, wool, stored food products, organic detritus
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on a variety of organic materials such as feathers, fur, wool, and stored food products found in nests or human dwellings. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad black and white bands across the forewings, which are quite unique among small moths. The head is notably fluffy and white.
Description
A small moth characterized by its striking black and white/cream banded forewings, a fluffy white head, and pale, fringed hindwings.
