Bagworm Moth Larva

Scientific Name: Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis

Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Psychidae

Size: Casing typically 1 to 2 inches long

Bagworm Moth Larva

Natural Habitat

Found on various coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs, including cedar, juniper, pine, and oak.

Diet & Feeding

Feed on the foliage of host trees and shrubs, often causing significant defoliation.

Behavior Patterns

The caterpillars construct protective cases made of silk and environmental debris (twigs, leaves). They carry these bags with them as they move and feed, eventually pupating inside the bag.

Risks & Benefits

Can be a serious pest to ornamental landscapes by stripping foliage; however, they provide a food source for birds and parasitic wasps.

Identified on: 1/12/2026