Large Pale Clothes Moth
Common NameLarge Pale Clothes Moth
Scientific NameTinea pallescentella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)17
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown, grey
HabitatHuman dwellings, warehouses, museums, bird nests, mammal burrows
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, dried animal remains, stored food products
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on keratinous materials like wool, fur, and feathers, as well as other dried organic matter, often constructing silken feeding tunnels.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled pale brown and dark brown forewings, relatively small size, and preference for indoor environments where it feeds on animal products.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled pale brown and dark brown forewings, a shaggy head, and long antennae, often resting with wings folded flat.
