larval stage of ?? on ceiling of room
Posted by David Ramos on November 12, 2005
Q: Every day I find pale (almost colorless, tending towards white) insects around my ceiling. They move like inchworms, seem to have at least 8 pairs of legs, make some silk, and have one distinctly reddish end.
Earlier in the year, I had a minor infestation of kitchen moths. Any chance these are a larval stage of same?
Thanks!
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Rhode Island
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: It does sound like some kind of caterpillar to me - maybe moths as you suggest. If you can get a really good look at them, look for 3 pairs of legs at the head end (I'm guessing the red is the head) but you may see 4-5 pairs of legs toward the tail end too. This is common in caterpillars and all of these legs may be throwing you off on an ID. I can easily believe that your original moth infestation means they laid eggs, these have hatched and the young are now dispersing in your home. Incidently, moth caterpillars that spin silk have the silk gland in their mouth so the silk comes from the head end, not the tail end as you might expect. Hope this helps a bit. Sorry I can't narrow it down any better for you.
John Wiessinger ( November 14, 2005)