Evergreen Bagworm Moth(Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis)

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Evergreen Bagworm Moth)

The wing scales quickly rub off of this strange-looking blackish moth.

Male, Durham, NC 8/19/06

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Evergreen Bagworm Moth)

Carteret Co., NC 7/19/08.

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Evergreen Bagworm Moth)

Caterpillars forage on evergreens, such as this Chinese Juniper, from inside a silk case which they camouflage with dead leaves. They add on to the top of the case as they grow.

Carteret Co., NC 7/16/08.

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Evergreen Bagworm Moth)

Pupal case.

Carteret Co., NC 7/16/08.

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Evergreen Bagworm Moth)

Pupal cases frequently hang in clusters.

Carteret Co., NC 7/19/08.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.