A to Z of Pests

Brown House Moth

Hofmannophila pseudospretella

Appearance

• Adult — 8–14 mm long. Dark brown forewings each with three or four black spots.
• Larva — up to 20 mm long. Dirty white with a brown head. 1st thoracic segment is a chestnut colour.
• Pupa — 15 to 20 mm long in a silk cocoon.

Lifecycle

• Normally one generation per year.

Habits

• Larva may wander considerable distances prior to pupation. Generally regarded as a scavenger.