White-blotched Clothes Moth
Common NameWhite-blotched Clothes Moth
Scientific NameTinea pallescentella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, white
HabitatIndoors (human dwellings, museums, storage), bird nests, sometimes outdoors in fungi
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (worldwide)
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, silk, leather, dried animal remains, fungi
Flight PeriodYear-round (indoors), warmer months (outdoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are destructive pests, feeding on keratin-containing materials like wool, fur, and feathers, often found in silken cases or tunnels. The lifecycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with multiple generations per year indoors.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive creamy white head and the dark forewings with large, irregular cream or white blotches. Often found indoors near natural fiber products.
Description
A small moth characterized by a creamy white head and dark brown forewings heavily mottled with irregular, prominent cream-colored blotches, including a large one on the posterior margin.
