Clothes Moths (6433)

Both of these species are worldwide in distribution, feed on animal by-products such as furs, wool carpets, and tapestries, and can cause damage to stored woolen clothing. Although the webbing clothes moth is more common in Pennsylvania and other northern states, both can be found in Pennsylvania.

The webbing clothes moth adults are about 7–8 mm in length when the wings are folded. The wings are a golden buff color with a fringe of long hairs on the margins. The head has a tuft of reddish hairs. Mature larvae are 12–13 mm long and feed on woolens beneath a constructed blanket of silk, feces, and pieces of the food source. The bodies are white or cream with a brown head capsule. The larvae have no ocelli (eyes). It is common to find the larvae feeding under cuffs, collars, and other hidden parts of clothing.

For more information, please visit this Penn State Fact Sheet.

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Penn State Entomology Department

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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