Skip to main content

Snailcase Bagworm – Apterona helix

Written by Amisha on .

Snailcase Bagworm – Apterona helix Common Name: Snailcase Bagworm Latin Name: Apterona helix Appearance:  The Snailcase Bagworm has a distinct look throughout its life stages: The Snailcase Bagworm larval stage is distinguished by a moveable case or bag formed of silk and plant fibres. The bag, which resembles a snail’s shell, acts as both a protective covering and a disguise. As it feeds on host plants, the caterpillar remains hidden within this casing. The adult Snailcase Bagworm is a tiny moth with a 10 to 12-millimeter wingspan. The scales cover the body, and the wings are generally grey or brown. Host Plant: There are many kinds of plants that snailcase bagworm caterpillars have been seen eating. The silk and plant parts from the host plants that they eat are used to make their cases. The host plants can be different, but popular ones are shrubs and trees that lose their leaves in the fall. Territory:  The Snailcase Bagworm lives in many places and isn’t just found in one area. You can find it in North America, Europe, and other places around the world with host plants that are good for it. Damages caused by Snailcase Bagworm: The Snailcase Bagworm caterpillars’ eating habits can cause some host plants to lose some leaves, but the damage is usually not too bad. It’s more likely that people will notice these bagworms because of the way their cases look than because of how much damage they do to plants. Life History and Habitat: Life Cycle: 
  • The Snailcase Bagworm goes through a complete metamorphosis, with egg, larval, pupal, and adult phases.
  • Egg:Adult female moths lay eggs throughout the bag, and these eggs spend the winter within the bag.
  • Larva:The larva emerges from the egg and builds its mobile case. It consumes host plants while staying hidden within the casing.
  • Pupa:Inside the sack, the fully developed caterpillar pupates.
  • Adult:After emerging from the pupa within the bag, the life cycle continues. Adult moths have shorter lifespans and are more focused on reproduction.
Habitat: Snailcase Bagworms may be found in a wide range of environments, including gardens, woodlands, and urban areas where their host plants flourish. Their capacity to build mobile cases enables them to migrate and feed on diverse areas of a plant, adding to their adaptation to varied settings.