Japanese Bagworm Moth vs Chilli Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Bagworm Moth Chilli Thrips
Scientific Name Eumeta variegata Scirtothrips dorsalis
Order Lepidoptera Thysanoptera
Family Psychidae Thripidae
Size 25-45 mm (case length) 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Asia, North America, Central America, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Bagworm Moth

Known as 'minomushi' in Japanese, the caterpillar builds a distinctive portable case from silk, twigs, and leaves. Adult females are wingless and never leave their cases. A common sight on Japanese trees.

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Did You Know?

Bagworm cases inspired the traditional Japanese rain cloak called 'mino,' and the word 'minomushi' literally means 'straw-raincoat insect.'

Chilli Thrips

A tiny pale yellow thrips that is an invasive pest of peppers, strawberries, and ornamental plants. It causes severe scarring and distortion of new growth.

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Did You Know?

Chilli thrips are so tiny that they can pass through standard window screens, making them very difficult to exclude from greenhouses.