Webbing Clothes Moth vs Fall Webworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Webbing Clothes Moth Fall Webworm
Scientific Name Tineola bisselliella Hyphantria cunea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Tineidae Erebidae
Size 6-8 mm body; 12-16 mm wingspan 25-42 mm wingspan
Habitat Indoors Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Worldwide North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Webbing Clothes Moth

A small golden-buff moth whose larvae are the primary insect pest of woolen clothing and textiles. Adults are weak fliers that avoid light, preferring dark closets and drawers.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most moths, adults actively avoid light and will run rather than fly when disturbed.

Fall Webworm

A native North American moth whose caterpillars build communal silk webs on tree branches. It has become invasive in Europe and Asia.

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Did You Know?

Unlike tent caterpillars, fall webworm nests enclose the foliage the larvae are feeding on.