Grass Bagworm
Common NameGrass Bagworm
Scientific NameThyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyTyphoniinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, urban landscapes, gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsarborvitae, juniper, pine, spruce, maple, oak, willow, sycamore, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesMale moths emerge from their cases to fly and mate. Females are wingless and remain inside their silk cases, where they lay eggs. Larvae construct and live within a camouflaged silken case, feeding on host plant foliage.
Identification TipsMales are identified by their dark, fuzzy appearance and prominent feathery antennae. Females are never seen outside their characteristic, camouflaged bag cases.
Description
A dark, robust male moth with a fuzzy body and wings, and distinctive large, feathery (bipectinate) antennae.
