Bagworm

Trees, shrubs, and wooded areas where larvae construct protective cases from silk and plant debris.

Folivores; the caterpillars feed on the leaves and needles of a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen trees.

Larvae construct portable cases of silk decorated with bits of leaves, twigs, or bark, carrying them everywhere as they feed. Females are wingless and remain inside the case for life, while males develop wings to fly and mate.

Risks include heavy defoliation and potential death of ornamental trees and shrubs in high infestations; benefits include serving as a food source for insectivorous birds and parasitic wasps.