If clothing is found covered with silk containing fecal material and pupal cases, what pest is likely present?

The presence of silk in conjunction with fecal material and pupal cases strongly indicates an infestation of Webbing Clothes Moths. These moths are notorious for damaging natural fibers found in clothing, as they feed on the protein found in keratin, which is abundant in materials such as wool and silk. The fecal pellets they leave behind resemble small, dark specks and are a telltale sign of their activity. Additionally, the presence of pupal cases suggests that moths are not only present but have completed their development stages and are likely reproducing.

Other pests listed—Tobacco Moths, Clothes Beetles, and Flour Weevils—do not typically associate with silk or generate the specific combinations of fecal matter and pupal cases found in this scenario. While Clothes Beetles also cause damage to textiles, they produce different remnants that may not specifically resemble silk or fecal material tied to moths. Flour Weevils, in contrast, are associated with stored grains and would not be found in the context of clothing. Thus, the definitive indicators point strongly towards Webbing Clothes Moths as the likely pest involved.