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COMMON NAME: SCIENTIFIC NAME: CLASS/ORDER/FAMILY: METAMOPHOSIS: |
Webbing clothes moth Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) Insecta/Lepidoptera/Tineidae Complete |
INTRODUCTION. This species is the most commonly encountered clothes moth in the United States. Its common name comes from the larval produced silk webbing which characteristically covers over the area upon which the larva is feeding. This pest is found throughout the United States and the world.
RECOGNITION. Adults measure about 1/2in (12 mm) from wing tip to wing tip, both wings long and narrow. Wings and body uniformly buff/golden color except for tuft of reddish setae (hairs) on top of head. Hind wing margins fringed with long hairs.
Mature larva up to 1/2in (12 mm) long. Whitish and shiny except for brownish head. Ocelli absent. Spiracles of 7th and 8th abdominal segments about equal in size. Setae (hairs) IV and V (near and below spiracle) on 7th abdominal segment far apart, farther apart then distance from either to spiracle. Prolegs on abdominal segments 3-4-5-6 and 10 (anal/last segment), with crotchets (hooks) on ends arranged in single complete ellipse on prolegs 3-6.
HABITS. For all practical purposes, webbing clothes moth larvae do not attack materials of vegetable origin. They attack synthetic fibers only when they are interwoven with natural animal fiber material or are soiled. They feed on keratin-containing materials such as wool, hair, fur, etc. They have been found infesting beef meal, fish meal, pemmican, casein, and milk products in addition to furs, woolens, etc. Outdoors, clothes moths have been found in the nests of birds and insects.
The larvae prefer to feed in hidden places such as under collars, on carpeting from the back/jute/underneath side, etc. In these situations they typically feed through their silken tunnel. When the larvae feed in more exposed situations, they usually spin a silken mat or patch and feed from beneath it. However, under heavy infestation situations, larvae may crawl about exposed, such as under a heavily infested sofa. Larvae do much better in areas of high humidity.
The adults do not feed. They shun light, not being attracted to lights as are most moth species. Females are poor fliers but are fast on their legs and run when disturbed, they quickly seek a secluded/hidden place such as in fabric folds, etc.
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