BAGWORM MOTH

any insect of the worldwide family Psychidae (order Lepidoptera), named for the baglike cases the larvae carry with them. The bag, which 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, 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; it may remain in the bag during mating and then deposit eggs there. 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.