Abbot's Bagworm Moth
Common NameAbbot's Bagworm Moth
Scientific NameThyridopteryx abbotii
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, translucent
HabitatWoodlands, forests, orchards, and areas with host trees and shrubs
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending into parts of the Midwest
Host Plantsoak, maple, willow, birch, sycamore, pine, cedar
Flight PeriodAugust to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct a portable, spindle-shaped case from silk and plant debris, which they carry and enlarge as they grow. Males pupate and emerge as winged moths, while females remain grub-like and wingless within their cases, where they mate and lay eggs.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the larval case, which is covered with small pieces of twigs and leaves, often resembling a miniature pine cone or a bundle of debris attached to branches. Adult males are difficult to identify without close examination, but their flight period and association with these cases are key clues.
Description
The adult male Abbot's Bagworm Moth is a small, dark brown moth with thinly scaled, somewhat translucent wings. The female is wingless and remains inside her larval case.
