Yellow-backed Clothes Moth
Common NameYellow-backed Clothes Moth
Scientific NameMonopis crocicapitella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, cream
HabitatIndoors (pantries, closets, attics), outdoors (bird nests, animal burrows, fungi, decaying organic matter)
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (widespread globally in temperate and subtropical regions)
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, stored food products, fungi, detritus
Flight PeriodYear-round indoors; May to October outdoors in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are the primary feeding stage, consuming a variety of organic materials, and are often considered pests in human dwellings.
Identification TipsLook for the striking contrast between the golden-yellow head and the dark body, along with the prominent yellowish stripe on the forewing. The small size is also a key indicator.
Description
A small moth characterized by its bright golden-yellow head and a dark brown to black body. Its forewings display a distinctive yellowish-cream stripe along the costa and scattered lighter scales, particularly towards the apex.
