Webbing clothes moth

(Tineola bisselliella)

Biology:

The webbing clothes moth (fam. Tineidae, tineid moths) can be found predominantly in dark places in dry and warm dwellings. The moth has a wing span of 14 to 16 mm and its shiny yellow wings have fringes on the edge. Its head is covered with a coat of fuzzy hair. The yellowish-white larvae, which are up to 9 mm long, spin characteristic tunnels or tubes, which are up to 15 cm long and are attached to the affected textiles. The caterpillars eat their food under the protection of these tubes.

 

Damage:

It is the larvae of the webbing clothes moth which cause the damage. They feed on substances which contain keratin and primarily affect wool, blended fabrics with at least 20 % wool content, woollen carpets, furs and feathers. They cause irregularly frayed holes and bare patches. Woollen textiles which have been stored unwashed and uncleaned for an extended period of time are particularly at risk. After the emerge from the pupa, the webbing clothes moths themselves have stunted mouthparts and no longer feed.