Japanese Bagworm Moth vs Dot Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Bagworm Moth Dot Moth
Scientific Name Eumeta variegata Melanchra persicariae
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Psychidae Noctuidae
Size 25-45 mm (case length) 38-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Europe, Central Asia
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.'

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.