Pectinophora gossypiella is found in regions where cotton is grown, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is believed to have originated in India and spread to other parts of the world through the cotton trade. These hardy insects can survive and reproduce in a wide range of environmental conditions but prefer warm and dry climates. It can complete its entire life cycle within the cotton boll, which provides a protected environment and a source of food for the larvae. Apart from cotton, the pink bollworm may also infest other host plants, including okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)