Cryptothelea gloverii

Distinguished from other bagworm species by case morphology and host associations; confirmed identification requires examination of adult genitalia or molecular analysis. The specific association with citrus and scale insects may aid field recognition in affected regions.

Larvae construct elongated, cylindrical cases covered with plant fragments and silk; case composition varies with available materials. Adult females are wingless and remain within the larval case. Adult males have wings and are capable of flight.

Associated with citrus orchards and areas supporting host plants, including cultivated and natural environments where orange trees or scale insect populations occur.

Native to North America and Central America; documented observations span this range with concentration in citrus-growing regions.

Larvae feed on orange trees (Citrus spp.) and have been observed consuming the camphor scale (Pseudaonidia duplex), indicating both phytophagous and predatory feeding habits.

• Citrus - larval food plantparticularly orange trees
• Pseudaonidia duplex - preycamphor scale, a scale insect

Larvae carry their constructed cases throughout development; females are sedentary as adults, while males disperse by flight.

Potential biological control agent for scale insect pests in citrus systems; also functions as a herbivore on host plants.

Of interest in agricultural contexts due to predation on camphor scale, a pest of citrus and ornamental plants; may have value as a biocontrol organism.

• Other Psychidae speciesshare bagworm case-building behavior; distinguished by case composition, host specificity, and genital morphology

• bagworm
• citrus pest
• scale insect predator
• biocontrol potential

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life