CASEMAKING CLOTHES MOTH (Tinea pellionella)
Biology
- Width: 3/8 to ½ inch from wing tip to wing tip
- Wings are long and narrow.
- Hind wings are trimmed with long hairs.
- Color is buff with a brown touch and 3 dark dots on each front wing.
- Eyes are wider than the space between them.
- Larvae are a pale yellow color.
- Eggs are creamy white when first laid then turn red.
Distribution/Habits
- Larva spins a silk case interweaving some of the fibers it feeds on.
- When the larva moves, it drags the silk case along.
- If larvae becomes separated from the silk case, it will die.
- Larvae pupate in protected areas.
- Males are active flyers, but the females do not fly at all.
- Adults live only 4-6 days.
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