Bagworm Moths
Psychidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Tineoidea
- Family: Psychidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psychidae: //saɪˈkɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Psychidae family, commonly known as bagworm moths, comprises about 1,350 species found globally. Their larvae construct protective cases from environmental materials, which aids in camouflage. While some species are harmless, a few can be agricultural pests.
Physical Characteristics
Male wingspan 12 - 36 mm; adults females are either wingless or have only little vestigial stubs where wings should be; males are usually black and unmarked. Larvae (bagworms) construct spindle-shaped bags covered with pieces of twigs, leaves, etc.
Identification Tips
The cases constructed by larvae are specific to each species and can be more useful for identification than the adult insects themselves.
Habitat
Bagworms can be found in various habitats, often on trees and shrubs where they construct their protective cases.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan; species are found globally, with some species settling in non-native areas.
Diet
Larvae of some species eat lichen, while others prefer the green leaves of host plants (usually deciduous or coniferous trees). Adults do not feed.
Life Cycle
Bagworms start to build their cases as soon as they hatch. Larvae remain in their cases until pupation. Males emerge to find a mate, while females may remain in their cases until death, often laying eggs before or after mating.
Reproduction
Adult females remain in their bags, emitting pheromones to attract males; some species are parthenogenetic, with eggs hatching without fertilization.
Predators
Predators include birds and other insects. Birds often eat the bodies of female bagworms and can help disperse the species by passing hard-shelled eggs through their digestive systems.
Ecosystem Role
Bagworms serve as herbivores, feeding on host plants, and can be both beneficial and harmful to their environments.
Economic Impact
Some species can become pests, causing significant damage to plants such as wattle and orange trees. Control measures may include manual removal or insecticides.
Collecting Methods
- Manual collection of cases during pupation or by inspection of infested trees
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Drying
- Mounting on specimens boards
Evolution
Bagworms belong to the basal lineage of Ditrysia and are closely related to case-bearers, sharing similar larval habits of constructing protective cases.
Misconceptions
Bagworms are often confused with case moths, but the latter refers to a different family of insects; not all case-makers are bagworms.
Tags
- Psychidae
- Bagworms
- Lepidoptera
- Pest species
- Entomology