Monday, 31 July 2006

zoology - Small worm living in some kind of cocoon, what are these animals?

This little dude is not a Caddisfly, but a true moth, Tinea pellionella, a case making clothing moth. Confusing because they do resemble caddisfly larvae cocoons more so than those of their own family (Tineidae). Sort blurb Here:




"The brown-headed larva spins a silken case that is open at both ends. The case in the above image is covered with fine sand and debris, and superficially resembles a caddisfly case. The flattened case is about 10-11 mm long (3/8 to 1/2 inch). When crawling, the larva's head, thorax, and three pairs of legs protrude out of the case, and drag it along. According to Internet sources, the larva feeds on a variety of material, including hair, fur, silk, felt, feathers, woolen clothing, upholstered furniture and carpets. It apparently prefers darkness and soiled clothing, and is not fond of synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and polyesters."


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