Did you know that bagworm moths build portable impenetrable houses for themselves Nature never ceases to amaze me

These little fellas construct cases that are like portable homes and save them from predators.

 

Image credit: Project Noah

The bagworm moth, also known as case moth, in the family of Psychidae, belongs to the insect order of the Lepidoptera (ʙuттerflies and moths). 

The family of bagworm moths is quite small: it contains about 1350 species, but they can be found all over the world. Their name refers to the protective “homes” they build.After hatching, the caterpillar of the bagworm moth wastes no time: the larva weaves a silk cocoon around itself and reinforces it with twigs, leaves, and other bits of plants. 
The result is a small structure that often resembles a tiny house. They provide a safe shell that’s very hard for predators to penetrate, and the locally scavenged building materials give it a natural camouflage against prying eyes.

The cases are really hard to penetrate. Image credit: budak

Each species of bagworm moth makes a distinctive looking case, depending on what kind of components are on hand when they start building their tiny homes. 
Therefore, sometimes it’s easier to tell the bagworm moth species apart by taking a look at their case, rather than the animal itself. They come in every size and form: cases are usually between 1 and 15 centimeters long, and some may look primitive, while others resemble a pavilion or a log house. As they grow, bagworms expand and attach new twigs or other elements to their homes. 
Most commonly, cases can be found attached to trees, bushes, or rocks, but caterpillars can also carry their cases when they are on the move for hunting. Their movement resembles a turtle when they drag their case with their heads out at the top. 
However, if the caterpillar is in danger, it can seal every opening on the case, completely closing itself from any harm’s way.

All bagworm moth species build different looking cases. Image credit: In Memoriam: Ecuador Megadiverso

Even though the diet of most bagworm moths consists of plants and their leaves, small arthropods are also on the menu for a few species. 
Unfortunately, trees and plants that are home to bagworms sustain extreme damage as the insects devour through the leaves, often leaving the plants completely stripped bare.They spend most of their relatively short lives within their well-protected case. 
While male bagworm moths leave their cases once they have matured into adults and are ready to mate, females stay in their little houses for the rest of their lives, even after they have pupated into adult moths.

This case resembles a tiny wooden cabin. Image credit: Gee

Although, the tiny houses bagworm moths build for themselves are very impressive, they are mostly seen as pests, due to their destructive nature against trees, shrubs, and other plants. 
Interestingly, it’s a whole different story on Madagascar. A bagworm species native to the country is bred and farmed on wattle trees, because of how protein-rich their pupae are.


Source

Related Posts

Capturing sweet moments with mama gorilla and her adorable baby. Forehead kisses and cuddles for the win

An incredible scene occurred at the Calgary Zoo when a mother gorilla presented her small youngster to the crowd, and some visitors were lucky enough to witness…

This hilarious video is just what we need for a good laugh this spooky season. Its the perfect way to embrace the Halloween spirit

Halloween is a time of year when the unexpected can occur.Tales of transformations abound, like siblings morphing into bats.But one day, an owl hilariously seemed to take…

An incredible moment of trust and understanding between a hunter and a scared deer. Compᴀssion wins over fear.

A hunter was driving along one night when he saw a ʙuттon buck with his back leg entangled in the wires of a fence. The poor thing…

Spooky season surprise This allwhite deer sighting is truly mesmerizing. Just in time for Halloween what a magical moment

For many people it’s not uncommon to spot a deer hanging around their home, but the sight of one deer recently left one couple stunned — a…

Unconditional love is the best medicine. This heartwarming bond between a dog and an autistic boy will make your day

Dogs are known as man’s best friend because of the incredible love and loyalty that they show their human owners. Now, a story is going viral that…

His genuine reaction to her news brought tears to his eyes. True emotions are beautiful to witness.

James Pack, a Vietnam veteran, had a heart attack and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The First State Animal Center and SPCA took care…