PSYCHIDAE of Australia
Bagworms, Case Moths TINEOIDEA

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 1 November 2008)

These Caterpillars construct a case around themselves using silk. Most camouflage it with pieces of material from their environment, often characteristically chosen and arranged by that species.

Undetermined PSYCHIDAE species A

Undetermined PSYCHIDAE species B

Undetermined PSYCHIDAE species C

Undetermined PSYCHIDAE species D

They have an anterior hole in the case through which the head and thorax protrude while feeding. They have a posterior hole for excretion.

They pupate within their case after securing the front to a twig securely with silk, so that it swings freely.

In some species the adult female is wingless, and remains in her case for the male to visit her. She actually lays her eggs in the case.

Some notable members of the 350 Australian species of PSYCHIDAE are: