Bagworm moth larva - Psychidae - Bagworms - Bagmoths - 11/03/2024

A Bagworm moth larva (Psychidae) is moving across the floor with its unusual appearance, resembling a small pile of garbage crawling in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on April 29, 2024. Bagworm moth larvae (Psychidae) are caterpillars living in protective bag-like cases made from their own silk and plant materials. The bags range in size from 6 to 152 mm (0.25 to 6 inches) and are constructed from silk and bits of leaves, twigs, and other debris. The bags are attached to trees, rocks, or fences while resting or during their pupa stage. The larvae extend their head and thorax from their mobile case to eat the leaves of host plants. Some bagworm moth larvae are known as log cabin caterpillars because they rebuild their wooden homes multiple times as they grow larger. The larvae of some species eat lichen, while others prefer green leaves. Bagworms usually occur on evergreens such as cedar or juniper, but they may also occur on deciduous trees such as honey locusts. In this case, the bags are covered with small leaves and twigs from the host tree.