Identification Carpet Moths

Flies at dusk and is easily disturbed from vegetation during the day.

Identification carpet moths.

Their hind wings are pale grey and are fringed with hair. S mall maggot like larvae moth caterpillars silken tubes or cases in which the moth larvae live pupae silk cocoons from which larvae eventually emerge as adult moths. Identifying clothes carpet moths webbing clothes moth case bearing clothes moth it is important to note that clothes moths and carpet moths are not separate species the species of moths that attack clothing and carpets are the same they are commonly called clothes or carpet moths depending on where they are found and what fabrics they target. About the ukmoths website w elcome to ukmoths your online guide to the moths of great britain and ireland.

The adult case bearing carpet moth is approximately 5mm in length and has yellowish brown forewings with three darker dots on each wing. It inhabits mature deciduous woodland where lichen covers the trunks and branches of the trees. A local species occurring in a range of scattered localities mainly in south west england and wales and parts of scotland but also in a number of other places throughout britain. Ukmoths has been providing identification help and information about britain s moths for over 15 years what s ukmoths.

The hind wings are smaller in comparison and lighter coloured. Here the moths can rest unseen with their superb cryptic camouflage. If you spot a tiny grub wrapped in a woven case dragging itself around you ve got carpet moths. With a body about 5mm long and a wingspan of about 14 18mm.

The first thing most people notice is the damage caused to clothes fabrics or carpets but there are other indicators of a moth infestation. A broad winged green moth with dark blotches and wavy white lines across the wings. Carpet moths are buff coloured with forewings that usually have three distinct dots. Case bearing carpet moth eggs are whitish in colour.

Carpet moth eggs are so small you won t notice them but their larvae are easily identified due to the case they carry around which gives them their common name.