Bagworm Moths Build Tiny Portable Houses for Themselves That Are Almost Impenetrable

The bagworm moth, also known as case moth, in the family of Psychidae, belongs to the insect order of the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). The family of bagworm moths is quite small: it contains about 1350 species, but they can be found all over the world. Their name refers to the protective “homes” they build.

Even though the diet of most bagworm moths consists of plants and their leaves, small arthropods are also on the menu for a few species. Unfortunately, trees and plants that are home to bagworms sustain extreme damage as the insects devour through the leaves, often leaving the plants completely stripped bare.