Sunday, May 20, 2012

Featured Moth #1

Nigrita Bagworm Moth (Cryptothelea nigrita)
Hodges #441
Family: Psychidae


This obscure moth is rarely seen, spending much of its time inside a bag cocoon.  As such, it is a member of the Psychidae family of bagworm moths.

I noticed numerous hanging bags on a boxwood plant in April, here in the Houston area.  I decided to investigate by placing one inside a jar with holes for air.  Before long, the black moth with fuzzy antennae emerged.  After getting pictures, I released it.  The moth spiraled upward towards the sky.  I've never seen a moth fly in that manner.






No comments:

Post a Comment