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Project Noah Nature School
Cryptothelea fuscescens
An exquisite "log-cabin" case of a New Guinea case moth (bagworm moth), family Psychidae.
Spotted on Bougainvillea sp. in a large semi-urban yard & garden adjacent to a disturbed patch of remnant forest.
The execution and style of this "house" represents the most precisely built larval cocoon, bag (as in bagworm) or in this case, "case", I've ever encountered in person or imagery. This structure was motionless over several days of casual observation. Similar constructions can be seen here http://uforest.blogspot.com/2009/02/expl... here or here http://www.flickr.com/photos/siyangteo/3... indicating that this or a closely related species occurs in Singapore as well. There is seemingly even a relative from Kenya http://www.flickr.com/photos/29697818@N0...
Spotted on Aug 16, 2011
Submitted on Aug 16, 2011
23 Comments
Yes, I agree Mark!
Incredible structure.
"The Psychidae are a group of small to medium-sized moths that are members of the Superfamily Tineiodea. Female adults of most species lack wings or have very small and non-functional wings. Males are typically black and their wingspan is 1.2-3.6 cm. The abdomen of these moths is long and tapering. Adults of both sexes have vestigal mouth parts. In some species, females entirely lack eyes, antennae, and legs. Larvae form characteristic spindle-shaped silken cases covered with bits of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Each larva enlarges its case as it grows. These moths pupate in the larval case after it is attached to a twig with silk. In most species, the female does not leave the case, but attracts males by emitting pheromones from her abdomen. To mate, the male thrusts his abdomen through the open lower end of the case. The female lays her eggs in the case; when they hatch, larvae crawl away to feed and form their own silken cases." http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/taxon...
See http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_... and my description.
Scott Moth is not Case baring. Just Caterpillar or Larvae stage is case baring as per my understanding.. Its say Bagworm better way...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagworm_mot...
ID'ed!
Okay this is why I just love this community! i would go my entire life not knowing that this living creature existed in nature, OMG! I am speechless!
Wow How it made that hut
this is so well done a nest great work
Updated!
wow! nature's carpenters!
I think shrubs mostly from Mimosaceae family..which are heavy prickled on trunk and branches.
In Tasmania there must be long prickled shrubs where these insects find easily light weight sticks to make such Pupa.
We get some terrestrial caddis fly larvae here in Tasmania that look a bit like that. I'll have to find some photos and post them.
Wow, that is incredible!! These findings are a nice reminder of how intricate and ingenious nature can be... thanks for sharing this!
Thanks everyone!
Brilliant shot, interesting to read what it is as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks to you actually... You remind me a forgotten spotting.. Just posted...!!
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/706...
Yes of course, the structure (cocoon, bag, etc) houses the pupa. Thanks for the links.
Check..
http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/psychidae...
Such called Bagworm.
Its moth Pupa.
That is perfectly cool! Insects are the best.