What is the damaging stage of clothes moths?

What is the damaging stage of clothes moths?

• A. Eggs
• B. Pupae
• C. Adults
• D. Larvae

Answer: (D)

The damaging stage of clothes moths is the larvae. At this phase, the larvae feed on natural fibers found in clothing, upholstery, and other textile materials. They are often responsible for the damage observed in carpets and garments made from wool, silk, and fur. Larvae of clothes moths are particularly drawn to areas where there is a food source, such as clothes that have been worn and contain body oils or sweat. During feeding, they not only consume the fibers but also leave behind shed skins and frass, which further indicate their presence. This destructive feeding behavior can lead to significant damage to textiles, making the larval stage the most concerning for those looking to protect their clothing and household items. In contrast, the egg and pupal stages do not cause damage as they are not actively feeding. Eggs are laid by adult moths and will eventually hatch into larvae, while pupae represent a transitional development stage where the moth is undergoing metamorphosis before emerging as an adult. The adult stage, while it is responsible for reproduction, does not feed on fabrics but rather is focused on mating and laying more eggs. Thus, the larvae are the primary concern when it comes to destruction associated with clothes moth infestations.

The damaging stage of clothes moths is the larvae. At this phase, the larvae feed on natural fibers found in clothing, upholstery, and other textile materials. They are often responsible for the damage observed in carpets and garments made from wool, silk, and fur.

Larvae of clothes moths are particularly drawn to areas where there is a food source, such as clothes that have been worn and contain body oils or sweat. During feeding, they not only consume the fibers but also leave behind shed skins and frass, which further indicate their presence. This destructive feeding behavior can lead to significant damage to textiles, making the larval stage the most concerning for those looking to protect their clothing and household items.

In contrast, the egg and pupal stages do not cause damage as they are not actively feeding. Eggs are laid by adult moths and will eventually hatch into larvae, while pupae represent a transitional development stage where the moth is undergoing metamorphosis before emerging as an adult. The adult stage, while it is responsible for reproduction, does not feed on fabrics but rather is focused on mating and laying more eggs. Thus, the larvae are the primary concern when it comes to destruction associated with clothes moth infestations.