Friday, December 31, 2010

Bagworm Moth Caterpillar (Family Psychidae)



Larvae (bagworms) construct spindle-shaped bags covered with pieces of twigs, leaves, etc., and remain in them -- enlarging the bags as they grow -- until they pupate (also in the bag). Adult females remain in the bag, emitting pheromones which attract adult males to mate with them.  Males become more typical moths.  (There are 26 species in 13 genera in North America.)

Eggs are laid inside the bag, and when they hatch the larvae crawl away to begin construction of their own individual cases.

Source:  BugGuide




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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina - male)

Male mantis consuming a moth.



Range: New Jersey south to Florida; west to Utah, Arizona, Texas, and through Mexico to Central America.


Season: Mantids are most commonly seen in late summer and early fall. Most are killed by cold weather in the fall, but can live longer in warmer climates in the southern US.


Food: Butterflies, moths, flies, small wasps and bees, true bugs and caterpillars -- most anything they can catch and consume.


Life Cycle: Eggs overwinter and hatch in early spring. Adults are mature by late summer and usually die by winter.


Remarks: Carolina Mantids are native to North America. They are smaller than their imported Asian cousins. Males have fully developed wings and can fly. Females do not.

Source: BugGuide

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