A reader sent us a video of a very interesting creature. It is small, has a dark shell, and emerges from each side of the shell.

If we hadn’t seen and written about this worm in the past, we would have been totally stumped. However, we are pleased to tell our reader that this is a household casebearer, which is the larva of a moth. At the larval stage, the moth creates a “case” using secreted silk that collects sand, soil, and various fibers to form a shell. The inside of the case is silk-lined and provides a safe home for the larva. The case will grow as the larva grows. Eventually, a moth will emerge from the shell and leave it behind.

These larvae rely on spider webs and spiders as their main food source, but they sometimes also eat wool fibers and clothing. Our reader didn’t sound concerned about getting rid of this creature, but if he is then he should deeply clean his home, paying special attention to removing cobwebs and dust.

Overall, a reader sent us a video of a curious creature that we believe is a household casebearer.

Summary

Article Name

Worm With a Shell is a Household Casebearer

Description

A reader sent us a video of a very interesting creature. It is small, has a dark shell, and emerges from each side of the shell.

Author

Dori Franklin