Types Of Moth Species
There are many different types of moth species which can be found in the UK most of which are not pests, but there are some which can cause damage to clothing and foodstuffs, and and also harm to people. Below are the moths species which are considered a pest and worth speaking to a moth expert should you encounter them.
Common Clothes Moth
The common clothes moth, also known as Tineola Bisselliella, are a considered as a serious pest. Their larvae can cause untold damage to your possessions such as clothes.
Facts about clothes moth
- They are between 6 – 8mm in body length.
- Their wingspan is approximately 10-16mm.
- Straw like in colour with no obvious markings
- Larvae is around 10mm in length and a white in colour with a brown head.
- Larvae can remain in this state between 2-30 months before cocooning.
- Average lifespan of an adult is 30-45 days
Case Bearing Clothes Moth
Facts about Case bearing clothes moth
- Silvery grey-brown in colour with dark spots.
- Larvae makes a case for itself out of wool and fibres from cloths and carpets.
- Larval stage lasts for around 3 months.
- They are small in size with a wingspan of around 9-16mm.
- You can find them both indoors and outdoor buildings.
White Shouldered House Moth
Facts about White Shouldered House Moth
- Relatively easy to identify due to its bright white shoulders.
- Brown creamy coloured wings with dark markings
- 6-10mm in length with a wingspan of 15-21mm.
- Larvae is cream in colour with a red-brown head.
Indian Meal Moth
The Indian meal moth is known as Plodia Interpunctella. The moth got its name by after the fact it feeds on Indian meal or cornmeal, not because it lives in India.
Facts about Indian Meal moth
- Adults are around 8-10mm in length.
- 16-20mm wingspan.
- They are red-brown in colour
- Eggs are white, oval in shape, very small, and off white in colour with brown heads.
Brown Tail Moth
Facts about Brown Tail Moth
- Its wings are pure white
- The tail is covered in brown hairs.
- Wingspan can reach 36-42mm.
- Each female can lay 200 to 400 eggs.
- Larvae is very hairy, brown and white in colour, with red spots at the tail end.
Oak Processionary Moth
Facts about Oak Processionary Moth
- Adults are brown in colour.
- Wingspan reaches between 25-35mm.
- Caterpillars are dark and covered in white hairs.
- They move around in nose to tail procession.
You should also act at the first signs of moths as infestations can very quickly get out of control and significant damage can be caused to your property and belongings.