Abstract: A dust cap 100 for an optical connector 200 protects an optical fiber 21 from abrasion, dust and debris. The dust cap is a box-like housing having front and back ends and side walls that define a cavity 13. The back end 12 has an opening into the cavity that is shaped to receive the optical connector, and a retaining feature 14 is molded into the cavity for interlocking with a mating feature 24 on the optical connector so that the dust cap will not become detached from the connector during vigorous handling. The optical fiber is generally supported within the connector by a ferrule 22, and the dust cap includes a tubular member 15 that is shaped to receive and enclose a front portion of the ferrule for improved protection. The distal end 16 of the tubular member is closed and projects outwardly from the front end 11 of the dust cap. The proximal end 17 of the tubular member projects inwardly and has an opening that is shaped to receive the ferrule.