Bag Worm Moths

[PAUL161]

Not sure what they are called, but this year we have been infested with a type of moth which hangs down from trees and lower themselves on a fine thread until reaching the ground, then a worm-like caterpillar emerges and eats grass while half of it is still in the cacoon. The cacoon looks like it's formed from cedar bark. Does anyone know what these are? No pics yet. PJ

 

[NutmegCT]

Paul - we need a photo. There are hundreds of critters (moth larvae) that drop from threads down to the ground.

You mention "bag worm moth". Does this look familiar?

That's a cocoon of the Evergreen Bagworm moth (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis). If it's causing problems for you, contact your county extension office.

Here's some advice: > Bagworm - Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haworth <

But you say that the moth itself is dropping on a thread down to the ground. Need more details!
Tom M.

 

[PAUL161]

That's it, Tom. exactly! Up until this year, we would find just a few in the cedar trees, but this year their everywhere. Out here we probably have to contact the Department of Agriculture. On another side, we have had a problem with Musk Thistle in pastures, the Department of Agricultre helps get rid of it by aerial spraying. Cows will eat thistle and it will clog up their digestive system and can kill them. PJ

 

[Gliderman8]

A couple of years ago I had to cut down two trees that were completely infested by those exact bag worms.