Family Psychidae - Bagworm Moths

28 species in 14 genera in our area (1).

Male wingspan 12 - 36 mm

Adult females are either wingless or have only little vestigial stubs where wings should be. Males are usually black and unmarked.(2)

Larvae (bagworms) construct elaborate little cases around themselves of plant debris and other organic matter.

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cosmopolitan

Larvae of some species eat lichen, whereas others prefer green leaves of a hostplant (usually a deciduous or coniferous tree).

Adults do not feed.

Larvae (bagworms) construct spindle-shaped bags covered with pieces of twigs, leaves, etc., and remain in them -- enlarging the bags as they grow -- until they pupate (also in the bag). Adult females remain in the bag, emitting pheromones which attract adult males to mate with them.

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Eggs are laid inside the bag, and when they hatch the larvae crawl away to begin construction of their own individual cases.

Some bagworm species are parthenogenetic; their eggs hatch without being fertilized.

Family PSYCHIDAE

Subfamily Naryciinae

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Subfamily Oiketicinae

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Subfamily Psychinae

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Subfamily Taleporiinae

pinned adult images of 6 species by Jim Vargo, plus photos of related species/families (Moth Photographers Group)

overview of family (Wikipedia)