Clothes Moths
The two main species of clothes moth are the Common or Webbing Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the Case-bearing Clothes Moth (Tinea pellionella). Because the larvae are able to digest the animal protein keratin found in hair, wool, fur and feathers, they can cause serious damage to textiles, upholstery, natural history specimens, ethnographical objects etc.
Infestations can start from adults flying in through open doors and windows, from birds’ nests or from infested objects being introduced into the premises or area. The adults shun the light, hiding in dark undisturbed areas and laying their eggs on suitable food sources such as carpets, stuffed animals, woollen costumes and soiled silk. The larvae hatching from the eggs spin silk webbing (see later). One generation normally takes a year to develop with the adults flying in the summer months. In heated buildings, two generations a year can develop, and sometimes even three.
Webbing Clothes Moth
Case-making Clothes Moth