Subject: Odd creepy crawly
Location: Southeast Florida
February 23, 2017 5:09 am
Ive recently found a bunch of these hanging around, a hard casing with what seems to be a little black worm inside along with silverfish. The worm will stick its head out and move itself around surprisingly fast as well. Its starting spring and its been raining quite a lot here in southeast Florida. They also seem to be more active at night but that may be because I’m not around much of the day. Thanks.
Signature: Alli

Case Bearing Moth Larva

Dear Alli,
This is a Case Bearing Moth Larva, a common household pest that will feed on many types of organic matter in the home, including pet hair.

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Subject: What is this?
Location: Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA
January 31, 2016 12:39 pm
I have found a few of these in my home.
What are they.
Signature: Dave Douthett

Case Bearing Moth Larva

Dear Dave,
This is a Household Casebearer, Phereoeca uterella, a common household pest.  According to BugGuide:  “The larval case is silk-lined inside and open at both ends. The case is constructed by the earliest larval stage (1st instar) before it hatches, and is enlarged by each successive instar. In constructing the case, the larva secretes silk to build an arch attached at both ends to the substrate. Very small particles of sand, soil, iron rust, insect droppings, arthropod remains, hairs and other fibers are added on the outside. The inside of the arch is lined exclusively by silk, and is gradually extended to form a tunnel, while the larva stays inside. The tunnel is closed beneath by the larva to form a tube free from the substrate, and open at both ends. After the first case is completed, the larva starts moving around, pulling its case behind. With each molt, the larva enlarges its case. Later cases are flattened and widest in the middle, allowing the larva to turn around inside.”

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Subject: Wierd bug
Location: Minnesota
November 16, 2015 10:57 am
Looked like a crumpled up tissue then it moved and a head came out like a turtle in a shell
Signature: Na

Case Making Clothes Moth Larva

Dear Na,
This looks like a Case Making Clothes Moth Larva to us, and though you did not indicate if it was found among wool or silk clothes, the image on fabric supports that it may have been found in a closet.  See BugGuide for more images and information including that they:  “Feed on wool, feathers, fur, hair, upholstered furniture, leather, fish meals, milk powders, lint, dust or paper. Often infesting carpets, especially in damp areas.”

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