Bagworm Moth Larva (Casebearer)

Trees, shrubs, and fences where they construct protective cases from silk and plant debris.

Leaves, needles, and bark of various deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs.

Larvae construct a portable case around themselves using silk and bits of foliage or twigs. They carry this case with them as they feed and move, extending only their head and thorax out to walk or eat. Females are wingless and remain inside the case for their entire lives, while males develop wings to fly and mate.

Heavy infestations can cause significant defoliation and damage to ornamental trees, evergreens, and landscape plants, potentially killing them if defoliation is severe over multiple seasons. They have minimal direct risk to humans beyond potential skin irritation from handling caterpillars.