European House Moth
Common NameEuropean House Moth
Scientific NameTinea pallescentella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream
HabitatHuman dwellings, warehouses, bird nests, animal burrows
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, dried food products, fungi, detritus
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors), warmer months (outdoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of organic materials, including keratinous animal products and dried plant matter, often causing damage to stored goods.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, characteristic mottled forewings with darker spots, and a pale, often shaggy head tuft; commonly found in human dwellings.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brownish-grey forewings and paler hindwings, often appearing speckled with darker spots.
