Bagworm caterpillars can be serious plant pests that defoliate evergreens such as arborvitae and Juniper (Image: Wikipedia commons)Insects often survive by using clever disguises. Few take it to the extreme as the strange bagworm moth larva. This caterpillar literally covers itself in debris including the remains of dead bugs. At first glance, it does not even look alive. This caterpillar looks like a tiny bundle made up of dust, twigs and fragments when it is clinging to the bark or leaves of a tree. The caterpillar builds and carries this protective case around its body at all times. This caterpillar is always carrying this protective case. These deceiving creatures are actually bagworms, larval Moths (family Psychidae), which are known for building portable cases out of silk, leaves, and twigs. Bagworm caterpillars begin building their portable shelter as soon as they hatch. It uses silk to stitch together any materials it can find, including plant fragments, sand and sometimes the discarded remains from other insects. As it grows, this structure is reinforced and expanded, like a living armour. Spiders (allegedly) keep this animal as a glowing prisoner to draw more prey to their websWhy wear the dead?This unusual behaviour serves two key purposes. First, camouflage. The caterpillar blends in with its surroundings, and looks like a pile of dead debris. This makes it difficult to spot. Story continues below this ad. The outer layer is tough and acts as a barrier to predators like birds and insects. Scientists also believe that the use of insect remains can mask the caterpillar’s scent and make it harder to detect. In a world filled with predators, being noticed can be deadly. The bagworm caterpillar’s best strategy is to blend in, even if it means wearing a coat made from the forest’s remnants.
