Psychidae
Pronunciation: [Sigh·ki·dee]
Common Name: Bagworm Moths
Description: Larvae feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs. To surround and protect themselves, they construct a silken case covered with leaves, twigs, or other debris, and enlarge it as they grow. Pupation occurs within the case. Adult females are wingless and never leave their case. They emit a pheromone to attract and mate with winged males. The female’s abdomen becomes a mass of eggs, protected inside the case until next spring when hatch occurs.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Larvae build a silken case around themselves
- Wingless females remain inside the larval case
- Winged males have feathery antennae
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Order: Lepidoptera
