Evergreen Bagworm Moth vs Case-bearing Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Evergreen Bagworm Moth Case-bearing Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Cryptocephalus sericeus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Psychidae Chrysomelidae
Size Males 25 mm wingspan; females wingless and legless 6-8 mm
Habitat Gardens Meadows
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Evergreen Bagworm Moth

A North American bagworm whose larvae construct spindle-shaped bags covered in bits of leaves and twigs. Heavy infestations can completely defoliate and kill ornamental evergreen trees.

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Did You Know?

The adult female is so reduced that she is essentially a bag of eggs with no wings, legs, eyes, or functional mouthparts.

Case-bearing Leaf Beetle

A brilliant metallic green to golden beetle with a cylindrical body shape typical of case-bearing chrysomelids. Adults are commonly found on flowers and leaves in sunny meadows.

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Did You Know?

Larvae construct a protective case from their own fecal material, which they carry around and enlarge as they grow, much like caddisfly larvae.