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Bagworm Moth (Various spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Bagworm Moth


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Anything goes when it comes to choosing materials that will cover the caterpillars of a Bagworm Moth.



Updated: 04/17/2024; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Bagworm Moths are a family of moths whose caterpillars hide in cases built from debris. These cases may be constructed using dried plant leaves, evergreen needles, or flakes of lichen. Remnants of hair, fur, feathers and parts of dead insect bodies may also be incorporated into the case. Inorganic material like sand, tiny stones or bits of synthetic material in the vicinity can also be worked into the case, adding structure to the silk wrapping. The cases are often seen 'moving by themselves' until a closer inspection reveals the engine behind it all. A tiny, worm-like caterpillar eventually sticks out its head and legs to move forward, revealing itself. When resting or threatened, it wisely retreats inside its protective case. Cases allow the caterpillar to blend into its surroundings while it feeds. It also protects it from the elements. Caterpillar silk helps it attach its case to branches or beams when it is ready to pupate. These Bagworms eventually become winged adult moths that are dark brown, light brown, or two-toned depending on the species.

Look for larval Bagworms among the branches of pine, juniper, red cedar, arbor vitae, and other conifers as well as among mosses and lichens. Some species are pests of their host plants and should be removed or controlled to prevent spreading to neighboring trees. Adult females are unusual in that they do not grow fully-formed wings. Some species have females that appear to have only 'stubs' for wings, while others are devoid of even that. Males have complete wings that may be black, brown, white, a mix of colors or even transparent depending on the species. Males also have comb-like antennae, while females' antennae are slender and more typical in appearance. Adults do not feed at all, focusing their time and energy on reproduction instead. ©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Psychidae
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          Genus: Various
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            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Various spp.
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 12mm to 36mm (0.47" to 1.41")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; green; tan; black
Descriptors: worm in case; pine needles; lichen dead plant; litter; crawling; speckled; flying


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 12mm (0.5in) and 36mm (1.4in)
Lo: 12mm
Md: 24mm
Hi: 36mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
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Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Bagworm Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Bagworm Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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