Evergreen Bagworm Moth vs Light Brown Apple Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Evergreen Bagworm Moth Light Brown Apple Moth
Scientific Name Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Epiphyas postvittana
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Psychidae Tortricidae
Size Males 25 mm wingspan; females wingless and legless 16-25 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Eastern North America Australia (native), New Zealand, Europe, North America (invasive)
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.

Light Brown Apple Moth

A small variable brown moth native to Australia that has invaded several continents. It feeds on over 500 plant species, making it an exceptionally polyphagous pest.

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Did You Know?

It holds the record for the broadest known host-plant range of any tortricid moth.