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COMMON NAME: SCIENTIFIC NAME: CLASS/ORDER/FAMILY: METAMOPHOSIS: |
Casemaking clothes moth Tinea pellionella (Linnaeus) Insecta/Lepidoptera/Tineidae Complete |
INTRODUCTION. This species is less commonly encountered and of far less economic importance then the webbing clothes moth. Its common name comes from the silken tube/case spun by the larva and which is carried about wherever the larva goes. The casemaking clothes moth is worldwide in distribution, but is more common in the southern United States
RECOGNITION. Adults measure about 3/8-1/2in (10-14 mm) from wing tip to wing tip, both wings long and narrow. Body and wings buff to golden with brownish tinge, except for 3 dark spots on each front wing which may be indistinct or rubbed off with age. Hind wing fringed with long hairs. Eyes wider than space between them.
Mature larva up to 3/8in (10 mm) long. Whitish except for brown head and dorsal divided shield plate on prothorax. With 1 distinct ocellus on each side. Setae (hairs) IV and V (near and below spiracle) on 7th abdominal segment about same distance apart as distance from either to spiracle. Prolegs on abdominal segments 3-4-5-6 and 10 (anal/last segment), with crochets (hooks on ends) arranged in single complete ellipse on prolegs 3-6.
HABITS. Casemaking clothes moth larvae attack primarily materials of animal origin and secondarily those of plant origin. Animal-origin materials include feathers, wools, rugs, furs, mummified carcasses, taxidermy mounts, and piano felts. Plant-origin materials include tobacco, various herbs and seasonings, hemp, various plant-based drugs, linseed, almonds, saffron, etc. It is particularly a pest of feathers/down and hair/fur.
The larva moves by extending its head and thoracic legs out of its case and then drags the case along. It can feed from either end of the case. The larva usually grazes here and there causing only surface furrows but may occasionally cause holes by feeding in one place for some time. It rarely spins silk on the material. When it is ready to pupate, the larva seeks a protected place, such as a crack or crevice which is usually off the infested material.
Adults do not feed. They shun light, not being attracted to lights as are most moth species. The males are smaller and are active fliers whereas, the females are sluggish and fly only short distances.
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