In the United Kingdom, the casemaking
clothes moth is much less important than the webbing clothes
moth as a pest. It can be found throughout the country, but
is most common in the southern states. It is particularly capable
of damaging hair and feathers, but will also feed on spices,
tobacco, hemp, and skins. The moth derives its common name
from the small silken case that the larva spins about its body
and carries about wherever it feeds, thrusting its head and
legs out in front (see picture below). Sometimes in a severe
infestation, larvae may crawl up on a wall in large numbers,
dragging their cases behind them.
Description:
Adult casemaking clothes moths have a 1/2-inch
wingspread. The adult is somewhat smaller and more brownish
than the webbing clothes moth, and has 3 dark spots on the
wings, but the spots become less discernible if the wing
scales are worn off. Hind wings are smaller, lighter, and
fringed with hair and scales. The males are smaller and lighter
in colour than the females, and are active fliers. The females
are sluggish, and fly only for short distances. The first
thoracic segment of the larva, at first brown, later becomes
black, and is divided by a longitudinal band.
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