
Community identification
Bagworm Moth Larva
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Psychidae
- Size
- Casing typically 1 to 2 inches long
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.