Bee Moth vs Casemaking Clothes Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bee Moth | Casemaking Clothes Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphomia sociella | Tinea pellionella |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Crambidae | Tineidae |
| Size | 30-42 mm wingspan | 10-15 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America (introduced) | Cosmopolitan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bee Moth
A robust pinkish-brown moth whose larvae are nest parasites of bumblebees and wasps. Females enter bee nests at night to lay their eggs.
Did You Know?
A single larval web can contain hundreds of caterpillars that completely destroy a bumblebee nest.
Casemaking Clothes Moth
A small silvery-brown moth whose larva constructs a portable silken case that it drags along as it feeds. It is a significant pest of furs, woolens, and museum specimens.
Did You Know?
The larva never leaves its portable case, enlarging it as it grows by adding fibers from whatever material it is eating.