National Moth Week 2023 - Common Bagworm Moth
Moths do not find universal appeal. The common bagworm moth, scientifically known as Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis , belongs to the family Psychidae. There are around 1,300 species of bagworms. Bagworms are the larval stage of certain moth species that damage evergreen and deciduous trees. The name bagworm comes from the fact that the worm-like larvae emerge from bag-like casings. The life cycle of Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis in cooler climates starts when the eggs hatch in the end of May and beginning of June. This species emerges earlier in Florida and can be bivolutine (two generations in a year) in southern regions during warmer years. Once the eggs hatch, the larva spins a silk strand that hangs down it. The larva can also be transported to nearby plants by wind. Once the larva finds a host, it starts to make a new protective bag around itself. It remains inside this bag sticking only its head out to eat from the host. The larva continues feeding until it matures by the end of ...