”pine cone” cocoons in Pennsylvania
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
December 1, 2011 1:37 pm
Dear Bugman,
I noticed these mini pinecone-looking cocoons growing on the back of a stop sign by my work. Could you help me identify what creature created these cocoons? Thank you very much.
Signature: Kyle Helal
Dear Kyle,
You have noticed the cocoons of Bagworms, a family of moths whose caterpillars construct bags from silk and foliage. The caterpillar enlarges the bag as it grows, dragging around its home as it feeds. When it is time to metamorphose, the Bagworm retains its bag to house the pupa. Female Bagworm Moths are flightless and mate in their bags.