What distinguishes case making clothes moth larvae from other moth larvae?

Case-making clothes moth larvae are distinguished from other moth larvae by their unique feeding behavior, which results in clean, cut holes in the materials they infest. Unlike larvae of many other moth species that may cause fraying or leave behind webbing, case-making clothes moths actively chew through fabrics in a precise manner. This creates distinct, circular holes as they consume fibers, typically from natural materials like wool, silk, and fur.

The behavior of these larvae is tied to their diet and how they interact with their environment, making the clean cut holes a hallmark of infestation. This characteristic can help pest control professionals correctly identify the specific type of moth causing the damage, which is essential for effective treatment and prevention.