Large Clothes Moth
Common NameLarge Clothes Moth
Scientific NameTinea pellionella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)12.5
Primary Colorsbrown, cream
HabitatHuman dwellings, storage areas, museums, attics, closets
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide)
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, silk, leather, stored dry goods
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors); May to October (outdoors in temperate regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and live within a silken case, which they carry with them as they feed on keratin-containing materials, before pupating inside this case.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive mottled brown and cream wing pattern, and the presence of case-bearing larvae that cause damage to natural fibers in homes and storage.
Description
A small moth characterized by its mottled wings, displaying a cryptic pattern of light cream and dark brown scales, and long, slender antennae.
