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Species of textile pests
Many types of textile pests have been recorded in Fiji. It is mainly the introduced species, which are commonly found in homes or businesses.
Frequently encountered species include:
- Case-bearing clothes moth
- Common or webbing clothes moth
- Variegated carpet beetle
Learn more below about the different types of textile pests found in Fiji.
Fur beetle
(Attagenus pellio)
Appearance
- Adult — 4–6 mm long. Elongate oval. One small patch of white on each wing case, otherwise red–brown to black.
- Larva — 6 mm long. Long orange tufts of hair on the last abdominal segment.
- Larvae have a banded appearance.
- Pupa — formed in the last larval skin.
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Lifecycle
- Mating takes place outdoors after which they fly indoors to lay eggs. Normally one generation per year but development may extend to three years.
Habits
- A common inhabitant of birds nests. Adults feed outdoors often on Spiraea plants.
- Larvae attack furs, skins, woollens, etc. and stored grain.
Varied carpet beetle
(Anthrenus verbasci)
Appearance
- Forewings dark at base, outer parts creamy white.
- Wingspan about 19 mm.
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Lifecycle
- Complete in approx. 3-6 months.
- Larva may grow to about 15 mm long.
- Prefers coarse materials and constructs silk-lined galleries.
Habits
- Typically attacks old carpets, feltings and the fur and feathers of stuffed animals.
- Not very common species.
Case-bearing clothes moth
(Tineo pellionella)
Appearance
- Approx. 7-10 mm long.
- Forewings are silvery-buff with 3 dark spots.
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Lifecycle
- Lifecycle completion usually takes 3-8 months.
- Larva up to 10 mm long when full grown.
- Creamy white with dark head.
- Usually protected in case made of silk and fibres of feeding material.
Habits
- Can do extensive damage to woollens, felts, upholstered furniture, clothes, etc.