Clothes moth identification
Clothes moth, or clothing moth,
larvae (see photo below) feed on a variety of dried animal
protein like hair, feathers and hide; adult moths
(right) do not feed. Damage occurs when larvae
feed on wool, upholstery, rugs,
felt, dried skins, hair and
similar materials but not synthetic fabrics,
cotton and other plant-based fabrics. These other fabrics
may be damaged, however, if they are in contact with
infested fabrics that are made of animal-based fibers.
There are several species of clothes
moths including the casemaking clothes moth and the
webbing clothes moth. All species have similar life
histories. The adults are small buff or tan-colored moths
but one species has dark spots on the wings. Female
moths rarely fly so you won't find them fluttering
around the house like the pantry-infesting moths.
common terms: moth-eaten clothes,
clothing moth, webbing clothes moth, casemaking
clothes moth, cloth moth