Bagworm Moth Caterpillar

Description:

This little Bagworm measured 1 cm in length and had an exquisite bag made from a mosaic of tiny bark chips. In the 3rd picture you can see how the inside of the bag is lined with silk, with the newest pieces of bark being added to the opening like a fringe. The thoracic dorsal plates are heavily sclerotized in these moths to allow them greater protection when extended out of their bags to feed. The last picture shows how well camouflaged they are on the bark of the trees. Family Psychidae.

Habitat:

This one was wandering along a wooden railing, I put it back on the tree nearby.

Notes:

See this picture of a bagworm larva out of its case, taken by KarenL.. https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/37...