Definition

Noun A species of moth (Tinea pellionella) whose larvae construct and live within portable, silken cases while feeding on materials such as wool, fur, or feathers. The case, which incorporates fibers from the food source, is carried by the larva as it moves.

Usage

The term "casemaking clothes moth" is used specifically to identify this insect species, particularly in contexts related to pest control, entomology, textile preservation, and household infestation.

Examples

• The casemaking clothes moth is a common pest in museums, damaging historic textiles and taxidermy collections.
• To confirm an infestation, look for the small, silken tubes constructed by the larvae of the casemaking clothes moth.
• Unlike the webbing clothes moth, the casemaking clothes moth larva carries its protective case with it.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a comparative context with other fabric pests, such as the webbing clothes moth (), which spins mats of silk rather than a portable case.
• In scientific or technical writing, the Latin binomial is typically provided alongside the common name "casemaking clothes moth" for precise identification.

Variants and Related Words

• Case-bearing clothes moth: A less common but synonymous common name.
• Tinea pellionella: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
• Clothes moth: A general term for moths in the family Tineidae whose larvae feed on fabrics, encompassing both the casemaking and webbing species.

Synonyms

• Case-bearing clothes moth (noun)
• Tinea pellionella (noun, scientific)

Related Phrases and Terms

• Fabric pest: A general category of insects, including the casemaking clothes moth, that damage textiles.
• Keratin feeder: Describes the larva's diet, as it consumes keratin proteins found in animal-based fibers like wool and fur.

Noun

1. the larvae live in tubes of its food material fastened with silk that it spins