Biology:Carpet moth
| Carpet moth | |
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| Adult specimen | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Tineidae |
| Genus: | Trichophaga |
| Species: | T. tapetzella
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| Binomial name | |
| Trichophaga tapetzella | |
| Synonyms | |
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Trichophaga tapetzella, the tapestry moth or carpet moth, is a moth of the family Tineidae, commonly referred to as fungus moths. It is found worldwide.
The wingspan is 14–18 mm. The head is white, the forewings ochreous-white, thinly strigulated with grey; basal 2/5 dark purplish-fuscous; a roundish grey posterior discal spot; some small black spots about apex. Hindwings light brassy-grey.[1][2] The moth flies from June to September depending on the location.
The larvae feed on animal skin, bird nests, pellets, fur, clothing and floor and furniture covering made of animal skin. They can cause significant damage to carpets, clothes, and other household fabrics.
Tapestry moths complete their cycles within a year and are more like webbing clothes moths in that they spin webbing in areas where they like to reside. Their speed of development depends entirely upon local temperature, humidity and food supplies.
Characteristics
Carpet moths belong to the family of fungus moths, Tineidae. Adults typically measure less than half an inch (12mm). Adult carpet moths are nocturnal and are drawn to the darkness and solitude of closets, basements, and other rarely disturbed areas of the home, where they seek suitable materials for egg-laying.
The larvae are responsible for textile damage since they feed on keratinous materials. These include wool, silk, fur, and feathers, which are protein-rich, offering the larvae the nutrients they need for growth and development.[3]
Life cycle
Carpet months have a life cycle that comprises four key stages - egg, larva, pupa, and adult, each of which plays a pivotal role in the moth's lifecycle and its interaction with the environment.
At egg stage, adult female moths seek out and lay hundreds of tiny eggs on suitable fabric materials, including wool, fur, and feathers. These fabric materials not only provide a safe haven for the eggs but also serve as an initial food source for the hatched larvae, effectively setting the stage for the next phase of their lives.
Upon hatching, the larvae embark on a period of intense feeding, representing the most destructive phase of the carpet moth's life cycle. This larval stage, the duration of which varies depending on the species and environmental conditions, sees the larvae voraciously consume fabric materials. This results in the typical 'moth-eaten' damage often associated with moth infestations.
The pupal stage, also known as the cocoon stage, follows the larval stage. Having consumed enough nutrients, the mature larvae weave protective cocoons around themselves. These cocoons serve as a shield, providing the larvae with the safety required for the next significant transformation in their lives.
Within the safety of these cocoons, the larvae undergo metamorphosis, a biological process through which they transform into adult moths. Upon emerging from the cocoons, the adult moths seek out mates to reproduce.
Nomenclature
The terms 'carpet moth' and 'clothes moth' are often used interchangeably. The confusion arises from the English names of the different species. The Carpet or Tapestry Moth trichophaga trapatzella suggests its larvae will infest carpet, and the Common Clothes Moth tineola bisselliella suggests clothes infestation. These are two of many species of Textile Moths which seek out protein rich foods to break down. Wool, fur, skin and feathers are full of the protein, keratin, and so are excellent sources of food for these insects. In nature these insects are one of many creatures which break down carcasses, but inside homes and other buildings they will infest carpets, rugs, clothes, fur, taxidermy and even dust.
Damage
The damage caused by carpet moths in the house can be quite extensive due to the larvae's appetite for organic fibers, especially animal-derived ones such as wool, fur, and feathers. These larvae, in their pursuit of sustenance, chew through these materials indiscriminately, leaving behind a trail of visible damage that often appears 'moth-eaten'.
The consequences of an infestation are typically evidenced by the unsightly holes in clothing, rugs, and other fabric-based items. Yet the harm extends beyond aesthetics. In severe cases, carpet moths can compromise the structural integrity of certain items, such as carpeting and upholstered furniture.
Furthermore, the cost of replacing or repairing these items can escalate quickly, making carpet moth infestations not just a nuisance but a potentially significant financial burden. Hence, early detection and timely intervention are vital to prevent these small pests from causing substantial damage.
Pest Control
Dealing with a carpet moth infestation involves a multi-pronged approach. Regular and thorough cleaning is a primary step. Vacuuming helps remove any eggs and larvae from carpets, rugs, and upholstery, potentially preventing an infestation from developing. Regular inspection of clothes, particularly those in long-term storage, is also recommended.
For larger infestations, professional pest control services may be necessary. These services can offer a range of treatment options, including insecticide sprays and heat treatments, to effectively deal with widespread infestations.
In addition to cleaning and professional help, using specific pest control measures such as pheromone traps can help monitor the infestation. These moth traps lure male moths with a synthetic female sex pheromone and trapping them on a sticky surface. Monitoring traps provide useful information about the species involved, the infestation's severity and the success of control efforts. However they do not provide control in themselves, as they have no effect on the female adult moth, the larvae or eggs.
References
- ↑ Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description
- ↑ Reinhard Gaedike, 2019 Tineidae II : Myrmecozelinae, Perissomasticinae, Tineinae, Hieroxestinae, Teichobiinae and Stathmopolitinae Microlepidoptera of Europe, vol. 9. Leiden : Brill
- ↑ "House Moth Identification" (in en-US). 2021-12-15. https://www.moth-prevention.com/blogs/the-art-of-prevention/house-moth-identification.
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q641829 entry
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