Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Brown House Moth)
The larvae of this species are synanthropic house pests. They are off-white with a brown head. The caterpillars feed on virtually any vegetable or animal material, including fur, leather, grain products, textiles, dried fruit, dead insects, and books and book bindings. They prosper in damp humid conditions, and are able to enter a dormant state if their environment becomes too dry. The caterpillars are often found in carpets in damp spots, along the edges of exterior sliding doors or under furniture. They grow to a length of about 2 cms.
The adult moths are brown with dark speckles, and several prominent black spots on each forewing. The hindwings are off-white shading to brown at the wingstips. The moths have a wingspan of about 2 cms.
They are found all over the world: Europe, north and south America, New Zealand, and in Australia in Norfolk Island, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.
Hofmannophila pseudospretella is listed in the following regions:
Canberra & Southern Tablelands | Barwon South West
Species information
- Hofmannophila pseudospretella Scientific name
- Brown House Moth Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 640.4m Recorded at altitude
- Machine learning
- External link More information
