Tiny Caterpillars?

Posted by Ruth on September 22, 2003 at 12:27:21:

In Reply to: little black wormy things posted by Vic on September 22, 2003 at 08:19:20:

Vic, what you have found sounds pretty peculiar, but I would guess that they are moth larvae. The fact that they are in a cluster, dark in color, and the time of year suggest this. The fact that they are standing up and wafting about suggests that they are participating in some sort of an exercise class! I must admit, I have never seen the behavior you describe, but then, I do not see hatching moth egg clusters on a regular basis.

As you can see in the recent post called "Accidental Moth Larvae," and several others, as well, what you are seeing is not uncommon. When a gravid female moth happens to come indoors, she is going to lay her eggs SOMEWHERE. She has to. Your duvet was the best thing she could come up with. In the other post, the moth chose several places on the wall of a room. I have had them on clothing. Each species of female moth has her own preference for where to put her progeny.

Your strange find cannot lead to an indoor infestation, as the specific food plant of these larvae is not available indoors.I hope this helps.

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