Clothes moth
A small moth whose larvae feed on animal fibers such as wool, fur, and feathers, damaging clothing and other textiles.
Tineola bisselliella: A clothes moth species whose larvae commonly damage wool, fur, and other animal-based materials. Its larvae are a leading source of damage to stored textiles.
Clothes moth identification: The recognition of clothes moths and their signs, including adults, larvae, cases, webbing, and textile damage. Correct identification separates clothes moth damage from other causes of fabric holes.
Webbing clothes moth: A common clothes moth whose larvae spin silk webbing over feeding sites. This species is a familiar web-producing form of clothes moth.
Textile damage: Physical deterioration of fabric, including holes, weakened fibers, staining, and loss of material. Clothes moth larvae create localized losses by feeding on susceptible fibers.
Tinea pellionella: The case-bearing clothes moth, whose larvae carry portable silk cases while feeding on animal fibers. Its portable cases distinguish this textile-feeding relative.
Integrated pest management: A pest-control approach combining monitoring, prevention, and targeted interventions to limit harm. Its combined methods address infestations more reliably than a single treatment.
Case-bearing clothes moth: A clothes moth whose larva shelters and moves inside a portable silk case. Its larval case contrasts with the exposed webbing made by other species.
Museum pest management: The prevention, monitoring, and control of organisms that threaten museum collections. Clothes moths can damage historic wool, fur, and feather objects in collections.
Clothes moth larva: The immature stage of a clothes moth, responsible for feeding on and damaging animal-based textiles. The larval stage produces the fabric damage associated with clothes moths.
Textile conservation: The preservation and treatment of textiles to reduce damage and retain their material and historical value. Conservators must manage moth risk without harming fragile historic fabrics.