Geyer's Bagworm Moth
Common NameGeyer's Bagworm Moth
Scientific NameOiketicus geyeri
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatForests, woodlands, orchards, gardens, and areas with diverse vegetation
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay)
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Citrus, Pinus, various broadleaf trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodNovember to April (Southern Hemisphere)
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and live within a portable silken case adorned with plant material. Females are wingless, legless, and remain neotenic within their larval cases, emitting pheromones to attract winged males for mating. Eggs are laid inside the case.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their hairy body, feathery antennae, and translucent wings. The species is more commonly identified by its distinctive larval case, which is large and covered with pieces of leaves and twigs.
Description
This is a medium-sized male bagworm moth with a robust, very hairy dark brown body and prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae. Its wings are translucent, brownish-grey with distinct venation, and the abdomen ends in a tuft of orange-brown hairs.
