# Evergreen Bagworm Moth (*Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis*) The Evergreen Bagworm Moth is a small moth that makes a cozy bag out of leaves and silk. It hangs on trees and looks like a little piece of nature, helping it stay safe from predators. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Evergreen Bagworm Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/-_0457_%E2%80%93_Thyridopteryx_ephemeraeformis_%E2%80%93_Evergreen_Bagworm_Moth_%2815056518805%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:-_0457_%E2%80%93_Thyridopteryx_ephemeraeformis_%E2%80%93_Evergreen_Bagworm_Moth_%2815056518805%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Evergreen Bagworm Moth is known for the portable, spindle-shaped bag its larva builds from silk and plant bits, camouflaged with twigs and leaves. Adult males are small, dark brown, fuzzy-bodied moths with clear wings. Females are wingless and maggot-like, staying hidden inside the bag. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Psychidae - **Genus:** Thyridopteryx ## Interesting facts - Adult male bagworm moths live only a day or two, solely to find a mate! - If disturbed, a bagworm larva will quickly seal the opening of its bag for safety! - The female moth never leaves her bag, not even to lay her hundreds of eggs! - They can eat so many leaves and needles they sometimes harm evergreen trees. ## Special abilities - **Master Weaver:** Evergreen Bagworm Moth larvae can weave intricate bags from silk and plant materials that help them hide from predators. - **Living Camouflage:** Evergreen Bagworm Moth can attach bits of leaves and twigs to its silk bag, making it blend perfectly into its surroundings. - **Portable Home:** Evergreen Bagworm Moth larvae build a mobile shelter that they carry everywhere, providing constant protection as they feed. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-25 mm - **Size:** 38-50 mm - **Lifespan:** 300-365 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae munch on leaves and needles from many trees, especially evergreens. - **Age differences:** Adult moths do not feed, while larvae are voracious eaters of plant material. - **Primary Foods:** Juniper needles, Arborvitae leaves, Pine needles, Spruce needles, Cedar leaves, Maple leaves - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Eastern Redcedar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-redcedar) (*Juniperus virginiana*) — Larvae consume needles of this conifer. - **Eats:** Eastern Arborvitae (*Thuja occidentalis*) — A common food source for bagworm larvae. - **Eats:** [Eastern White Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-white-pine) (*Pinus strobus*) — Bagworms feed on the needles, potentially causing damage. - **Eaten by:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Birds sometimes pick larvae from their bags. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Web Builder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/web-builder): This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch moths or their bags, as they can be delicate and need to stay safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Evergreen Bagworm Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Evergreen Bagworm Moth's wingspan? 20-25 mm ### How big is Evergreen Bagworm Moth? 38-50 mm ### How long does Evergreen Bagworm Moth live? 300-365 days ### What does Evergreen Bagworm Moth eat? Larvae munch on leaves and needles from many trees, especially evergreens. ### Where is Evergreen Bagworm Moth usually found? Forests ### How does Evergreen Bagworm Moth hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Evergreen Bagworm Moth have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Arden Park–East Boston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arden-park-east-boston-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Piquette Avenue Industrial Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/piquette-avenue-industrial-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Shedd Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shedd-aquarium) — Illinois, US · Aquarium - [Shedd Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/shedd-aquarium-illinois) — Illinois, US · Zoo - [Aldie Mill Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aldie-mill-historic-district) — Virginia, US · Historic District - [Marietta Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marietta-historic-district) — Ohio, US · Historic District [View all places to see Evergreen Bagworm Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/evergreen-bagworm-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Evergreen Bagworm Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/evergreen-bagworm-moth)