bagworm moth

Any insect of the moth family Psychidae, found worldwide, named for the baglike cases the larvae (see larva) carry with them.

The bag, which ranges in size from 0.25 to 6 in. (6–150 mm), is constructed from silk and bits of leaves, twigs, and other debris. The strong-bodied male has broad, fringed wings with a wingspread averaging 1 in. (25 mm). The wormlike female lacks wings. Bagworm larvae often damage trees, especially evergreens.

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▪ insect

 any of a family of insects (order Lepidoptera) that are found worldwide and named for the baglike cases the larvae construct around themselves. The bag ranges in size from 6 to 152 mm (0.25 to 6 inches) and is constructed from silk and bits of leaves, twigs, and other debris. It is also used as a pupal case.

      The strong-bodied male has broad, fringed wings with a wingspread averaging 25 mm (1 inch). The wormlike female lacks wings and, in most species, remains in her bag during mating, where she will also later deposit her eggs. The female evergreen bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) dies after mating, and the eggs are retained in her body until they hatch. Bagworm larvae are often destructive to trees, especially evergreens.

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