Bagworm Moths Build Tiny Portable Houses for Themselves That Are Almost Impenetrable

These little fellas construct cases that are like portable homes and save them from predators.

Image credit: Project Noah

The bagworm moth, also known as case moth, in the family of Psychidae, belongs to the insect order of the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The family of bagworm moths is quite small: it contains about 1350 species, but they can be found all over the world. Their name refers to the protective “homes” they build.

After hatching, the caterpillar of the bagworm moth wastes no time: the larva weaves a silk cocoon around itself and reinforces it with twigs, leaves, and other bits of plants. The result is a small structure that often resembles a tiny house. They provide a safe shell that’s very hard for predators to penetrate, and the locally scavenged building materials give it a natural camouflage against prying eyes.

The cases are really hard to penetrate. Image credit: budak

Each species of bagworm moth makes a distinctive looking case, depending on what kind of components are on hand when they start building their tiny homes. Therefore, sometimes it’s easier to tell the bagworm moth species apart by taking a look at their case, rather than the animal itself. They come in every size and form: cases are usually between 1 and 15 centimeters long, and some may look primitive, while others resemble a pavilion or a log house. As they grow, bagworms expand and attach new twigs or other elements to their homes.

Most commonly, cases can be found attached to trees, bushes, or rocks, but caterpillars can also carry their cases when they are on the move for hunting. Their movement resembles a turtle when they drag their case with their heads out at the top. However, if the caterpillar is in danger, it can seal every opening on the case, completely closing itself from any harm’s way.

All bagworm moth species build different looking cases. Image credit: In Memoriam: Ecuador Megadiverso

Even though the diet of most bagworm moths consists of plants and their leaves, small arthropods are also on the menu for a few species. Unfortunately, trees and plants that are home to bagworms sustain extreme damage as the insects devour through the leaves, often leaving the plants completely stripped bare.

They spend most of their relatively short lives within their well-protected case. While male bagworm moths leave their cases once they have matured into adults and are ready to mate, females stay in their little houses for the rest of their lives, even after they have pupated into adult moths.

This case resembles a tiny wooden cabin. Image credit: Gee

Although, the tiny houses bagworm moths build for themselves are very impressive, they are mostly seen as pests, due to their destructive nature against trees, shrubs, and other plants.

Interestingly, it’s a whole different story on Madagascar. A bagworm species native to the country is bred and farmed on wattle trees, because of how protein-rich their pupae are.

Met

Related Posts

The happy elephant delights in refreshing baths, finding joy in the soothing water and the playfulness of each dip.

Elephants are fascinating animals that are known for their ᴜпіqᴜe behavior of taking baths. They are one of the few animals that take a bath regularly and…

IпсгedіЬɩe Wildlife eпсoᴜпteг: Massive 16ft Crocodile Ambushes and Devours Gazelle in Kenya

This is the moment a crocodile ɩаᴜпсһed a feгoсіoᴜѕ аttасk on a gazelle, before tearing it in half using its powerful jaws. The 16ft reptile was ɩуіпɡ…

Unveiling the Enigmatic Marvel: The Resplendent Serpent Bearing the Striking Resemblance of a Mythical Dragon

In the depths of the dense, enigmatic forests, whispers abound of a serpent whose striking resemblance to a mythical dragon has captured the imaginations of all who…

Riverbank Rumble: Jaguar’s ѕаⱱаɡe Ambush Leaves Giant Caiman in Brazilian Shivers

Astonishing photos сарtᴜгe a feгoсіoᴜѕ 20-minute Ьаttɩe between a jaguar and a yacare caiman. The jaguar аmЬᴜѕһed its ргeу on the banks of the Three Brothers River in…

A Story of Survival: How an Elephant’s Enormous Foot Rescued a Hyena from іmmіпeпt рeгіɩ

  In the һeагt of the Sabi Sands within the Greater Kruger region, a remarkable scene unfolded as the Nkuhuma Pride and the Northern Avoca male lions…

Fгіɡһteпed Felines! Enormous Hippo сһагɡeѕ, Scattering Thirsty Lions in рапіс

This is the іпсгedіЬɩe moment a giant hippo teггіfіed three thirsty lions by charging at them to regain its territory. A brave Botswanan hippopotamus fасed up to…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *