Tapestry Moth
Common NameTapestry Moth
Scientific NameTrichophaga tapetzella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)19
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, grey
HabitatHuman dwellings (attics, wardrobes), bird nests, animal burrows
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, hair, felt
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors), May to October (outdoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are destructive pests, feeding on keratinous materials like wool, fur, and feathers. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct bicolored forewings with a dark basal half and a broad, pale median band. The head is often shaggy and pale.
Description
A small moth with forewings that are dark brown to black at the base, followed by a broad, contrasting white or cream median band, and mottled greyish-brown towards the wing tips.
