Taleporia tubulosa
Taleporia tubulosa
Pupal exuviae • Larval case with pupal exuviae. Wyre Forest, Worcs. • © Graham Finch

11.006 BF181

Taleporia tubulosa

(Retzius, 1783)


Wingspan 15-19 mm. (male)

Members of this family are sometimes known as 'bagworms' because of the larval habit of constructing a case, or bag, in which to live.

This species produces a long, narrow case made from fragments of sand, lichen and bark, bound together with silk, and the larva feeds on lichens where the case is attached (usually a tree trunk or fence).

The adult moths appear in May and June, and the females are completely wingless, resembling small yellow grubs. The males are dull brownish affairs.
back to top