In nature the larvae live in nests of birds and mammals, where they feed on animal hair, as a pest of textile materials, the clothes moth but common in human dwellings around the world.
The clothes moth preferred living and storage rooms. The female lays 100 to 250 white eggs. These are laid singly on wool fabrics, feathers, furs and upholstered furniture. The eggs hatch after about two weeks, yellow-white caterpillars ( larvae of butterflies ). The development to the butterfly takes, depending on environmental conditions 60 days to several months. Under optimum conditions, four generations per year are possible.
The larvae of the clothes moth will need the in animal hair ( wool, furs, skins ) contained protein keratin. Pure vegetable and synthetic fabrics are eaten by the caterpillars, but not digested; especially mixed clothing containing wool is therefore at risk. Paper and wood are not affected by the clothes moth. At long bearing clothes a mass propagation can take place.
The flight time is from May to September.