Plaster Bagworms in Tampa Bathroom: Seasonal Clothes Moth Relatives

A Tampa Bay resident finds insects seasonally in bathroom and dark areas (behind couch) for years. Vacuuming clears them for the year. Bug has a black "tongue" that pulls it along.

Expert Answer: This is a plaster bagworm, a type of clothes moth. The "tongue" is the caterpillar inside its case; it pupates into a small moth. See related species. Common in southeastern US (warm, semi-tropical climate). They can damage fabric but also eat spider webs.

— Jack DeAngelis