The bagworm family is fairly small, with about 1,350 species [2] described. Case moths, bag moths or bagworms are names given to a group of moths whose caterpillars make mobile homes from silk, usually attaching plant material, detritus or sand grains to the outside. In the Image the Head only popped out just enough to reach a leaf. The caterpillar forms a silken case containing plant material from its food plant that it remains in, eventually pupating inside of the case. The fully-grown larvae of both sexes pupate head-downwards within the cocoon. Case moths spin their cases out of silk and most species attach leaves, twigs, sand or soil to the outside for protection and camouflage. Its underbelly was covered in a series of sharp, opposing nails that dragged itself and the sack across the path and grass. The case moth family Psychidae is huge – 180 species in Australia, and over 1000 worldwide. Over the past few months in our sanctuary, these Saunders case moth cocoons (Metura elongatus) have been appearing in all different locations and they even move the location of their cocoon every now and then. Nearby sightings Page 1 of 1 pages - image … She can live in there for 2 years! It drags this around with it as a mobile home until it pupates. It drags this around with it as a mobile home until it pupates. Me just touching the scrub was enough for it to retreat very quickly and shut the opening. Tachinid fly larvae inside a Metura elongatus caterpillar. feeding on Sundew, DROSERACEAE ... 112a: remains of caterpillar in Fennel cocoon 112b: wasps from Fennel cocoon 112c: wasps from Fennel cocoon 113a: caterpillar 113b: moth … Please Login or Register to comment. "I remember them from when I was little." Metura elongatus bagworm in cocoon : Yawning koala : Sleeping koala : Koala yawning : Koala lying down : Emu : Wedgetail eagle being seen off by Australian magpies: Sulphur crested cockatoo in flight: Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach : Crimson rosellas: Birds in silhouette : Steve and Elle : Brush turkey on balustrade : Brush … He’s quite an extraordinary-looking moth, with a long fuzzy abdomen banded in orange and black, and short black wings that don’t look big enough to carry him. Males are about 2.5– 3.0 cm long with a wingspan of about 4–5 cm. A worm like caterpillar was clawing its way along the footpath attached or pulling its sack shelter. With a little research I found that this cocoon sack building exhibitionist, was in fact the Saunders Case Moth (Metura elongatus) the largest member of the 350 plus Australian Psychidaes or Bagworm families. Metura elongatus bagworm in cocoon : Dandelion head with autumnal backdrop : Nelson, South Island, New Zealand: Mountains at Arthurs Pass panorama: Arthurs Pass : Arthurs Pass : Squirrel monkey : Storm at Arthurs Pass: Boat ramp at Kaikoura : Horse at Kaikoura : Mapua stripes: Tasman Bay panorama with catamaran at … Besides its natural camouflage, the strong woven silk cocoon’s sacks are a fortress that can defy the bills and beaks of most insectivorous birds and seldom can a bird gain a tasty morsel by battering and hammering the tough malleable cocoon sack. Adult males have black wings, an orange hairy head and a black and orange banded abdomen. If the caterpillar is male it will morph into something that resembles a fuzzy pipe cleaner which has sprouted wings and as such, will cut his way out of the cocoon sack to search for a female. When the opening is shut it is … Metura elongatus Saunders' case moth at Flynn, ACT Request use of media. An hour later I returned to my garden and it had disappeared. of the caterpillar of a case moth, the Saunders' Case Moth, Metura elongatus.Oh, you have to go here, too.And … Some hanging off trees, or on foot paths and yet others brilliantly camouflaged as dying leaves or lying beneath bushes, amongst the fallen leaves. I've just looked it up, and I quickly found a remarkably similar photo—even down to the way those outer sticks are configured: it's the cocoon (empty, pretty sure) of the caterpillar of a case moth, possibly the Saunders' Case Moth, … Usually all you see is the cocoon. Hi Carey, This is a Bagworm in the family Psychidae, and we quickly identified it as a Large Bagworm or Saunder’s Case Moth, Metura elongatus, on the Brisbane Insect Website.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1: possible Plume Moth larva at North Maclean, Queensland Buckleria species? The caterpillar will live in this sheltered sack case for up to two years. March 8, 2014 Animals caterpillar, lane cove national park, Metura elongatus, moth, Native, saunders case moth Joe Lipson This cocoon was on a post at the start of the Little Blue Gum Creek walk. It’s large, about 15cm long, with … Metura elongatus, (Oiketicus elongatus), subfamily Psychinae, case length 90mm We found the case moth caterpillar feeding on our palm tree. I expected it would sense my presence and move quickly away. The Saunders Case Moth (Metura elongatus) is a member of the Psychidae or bagworm family. Meanwhile the eggs hatch into tiny caterpillars and feed off the remains of the cocoon. Saunders' case moth or the large bagworm (Metura elongatus) is a moth of the Psychidae family. Metura elongatus: 29 Mar 2018: donhe: Metura elongatus: 28 Mar 2018 ... Large caterpillar living in cocoon in our garden. Adult females develop a white and brown head, are wingless and have very tiny reduced legs and antennae. I marked where it was hanging above the footpath so I could return, for a closer inspection. These cases are very strong. Once laid and as is common in the invertebrate world, she dies almost immediately withinthe cocoon sack. The male is able to mate with the female using his elongate telescoping abdomen: hence the species name, ‘elongata’. Saunders‘case moth - Metura elongatus. Then they go inside and pull the twig into position from the inside, then sealing the slit again. Copyright Koala Clancy Foundation | Website Design & Hosting – Gippsland Web Design. It is known from the eastern half of Australia, including Tasmania.. "It's a cocoon," Christine said. Since that first encounter I have regularly seen Bagworm Sacks in Sanctuary Lakes gardens andaround the fringes of the golf course. Saunders Case Moth Caterpillar (Metura Elongatus) dragging its Cocoon. The caterpillar forms a silken case containing plant material from its food plant that it remains in, eventually pupating inside of the case. March 8, 2014 Animals caterpillar, lane cove national park, Metura elongatus, moth, Native, saunders case moth Joe Lipson This cocoon was on a post at the start of the Little Blue Gum Creek walk. Cocoon of a Saunders’ Case Moths, Large Bagworm – Metura elongatus (Oiketicus elongatus) Saunders’ Case Moths, Large Bagworm – Metura elongatus (Oiketicus elongatus) Click on the images to enlarge Parasitic Wasp Laying Egg into Willow コマユバチ♀が柳の若葉に産卵 - Duration: 1:18. sigma1920HD 297 views Be the first to comment. As I said at the link: I've just looked it up, and I quickly found a remarkably similar photo—even down to the way those outer sticks are configured: it's the cocoon (empty, pretty sure [not this time!]) Saunders Case Moths are common in Melbourne and in particular along Port Phillip’s western coastal areas. Introduction. Discover Bagworm Moths: photos, videos and info about Bagworm Moths distribution, appearance, diet, enemies and more This is part of a series “What’s In My Backyard? The caterpillars who make their own mobile home are often seen attached to fences and walls in urban settings. When disturbed it will retreat back into its bag. There are a number of different species and each species builds a distinctive-looking case. Once the initial cocoon is built, the construction is far from over. The Case Moth caterpillar builds its cocoon sack from the head end. If she feels disturbed she will quickly retreat inside the cocoon. Just another one of nature’s wonderful mysteries. I initially saw this strange creature in the early days of summer when I first arrived at Sanctuary Lakes a decade ago. The wingspan is about 30 mm for males. You can’t pull the cocoon off the branch – its very strong and you might hurt her. Even mating takes place (with difficulty) inside the cocoon. Koala Clancy Foundation is a koala-focussed charity based around the You Yangs, Victoria. This presents some difficulties because the female is inverted with her abdomen furthest from the opening. They are not voracious and don’t destroy plants. As they pupate head down, case moth’s will continue adding to their cocoons: cutting each stick and attaching it with homespun silken yarn. But instead, as if perceiving some appreciative audience, it swivelled its orange head around and sized me up with its eyeless face. It's got this strange cocoon made out of what looks like little sticks from the garden and silk and if you get close it retracts back into the cocoon immediately. Since that first encounter I have regularly seen Bagworm Sacks in Sanctuary Lakes gardens and, Adult females develop a white and brown head, are wingless and have very tiny reduced legs and antennae. Saunders Case Moth Metura elongatus What do they look like? The males are not often seen. It feeds at evening everyday. So if you see a similar cocoon, but with a different arrangement of sticks on the surface, it may be worth taking a picture. Just snip off that branch, move her to a more suitable spot. The caterpillar builds its cocoon sack from the head end. President: Janine DuffyVice President: Rivee TaoSecretary – Caz BartholomewTreasurer – Roger SmithCommittee Members – Rebecca Fraser and David Foreman, HomeAbout UsOur KoalasLearn about KoalasNewsEventsDonateMembership. Flora & Fauna around Melbourne & Geelong, Victoria Australia” run by Koala Clancy Foundation in response to COVID-19. He mates with her through the cocoon, then dies soon after. The female never develops wings, and never leaves her cocoon. Metura elongatus: 99c: mature Metura elongatus: PTEROPHORIDAE. At first appearance it appeared to be a discarded shelter or sack, a strange long thin build of silk, leaves and small twigs. So, as it grows bigger, it has to attach more, and larger twigs. A Koala Tree Planter’s Day in Australia.. Case Moth Caterpillar (Metura Elongatus) dragging its Cocoon, With a little research I found that this cocoon sack building exhibitionist, was in fact the Saunders Case Moth (Metura elongatus) the largest member of the 350 plus Australian Psychidaes or Bagworm families. A large part of our mission is local education, about koalas and all their animals and plants that live with them. The caterpillars can 'extend' their homes as they grow bigger themselves, by adding twigs woven in with their own silk, an … This presents some difficulties because the female is inverted with her abdomen furthest from the opening. Once laid and as is common in the invertebrate world, she dies almost immediately within. We have kept it for a few weeks. Bag of Metura elongatus which can grow to more than 120mm in length The Psychidae ( bagworm moths , also simply bagworms or bagmoths ) are a family of the Lepidoptera ( butterflies and moths ). Due to the coronavirus we can’t conduct our regular, educational Koala Conservation Days, so we are bringing that information online. The male is able to mate with the female using his elongate telescoping abdomen: hence the species name, ‘elongata’. Saunders Case Moths are common in Melbourne and in particular along Port Phillip’s western coastal areas. Its underbelly was covered in a series of sharp, opposing nails that dragged itself and the sack across the path and grass. Mating takes place through the hole in the ‘tail end’ of the female’s case. The wings are brown with contrasting pale veins; the head and front of the thorax are covered with bright orange scales and the abdomen is dark brown banded with orange. The caterpillar is indeed large, around ten centimetres long, a shiny black with orange stripes and a matching, rounded nub of a head. Over the past few months in our sanctuary, these Saunders case moth cocoons (Metura elongatus) have been appearing in all different locations and they even move the location of their cocoon every now and then. But this moth is different. He does eventually leave his cocoon as a moth with wings, and then flies around for a short time until he can find a female. The caterpillar is indeed large, around ten centimetres long, a shiny black with orange stripes and a matching, rounded nub of a head. It turns out to be a Metura elongatus or Saunders Case Moth. But if you know your Melbourne garden well, you will find that the cocoon moves frequently – not necessarily while you are watching, but over a few days. The length of the whole thing was about 20cm and I was amazed how it was creating a sort of silk ladder to be able to hold on while climbing rendered … Saunders Case Moth Caterpillar (Metura Elongatus) dragging its Cocoon. If you see one in your garden, don’t worry. The male has no method of feeding therefore his search for a female must be quick and passionate if it is to be successful. Plate 40, Figures 1-6. They remain within the cocoon case. Metura elongatus (Saunders, 1847) Saunders' Case Moth (one synonym: Oiketicus saundersii Westwood, 1854) PSYCHIDAE, TINEOIDEA Don Herbison-Evans (donherbisonevans@outlook.com) and Stella Crossley: case of early instar (Photo: Don Herbison-Evans, Sydney, New South Wales) However, as individual case moths use whatever … If you want to prune a bush and the case moth is in the way, don’t wait for her to move on. My first reaction was the wind had blown it, but then to my astonishment a metre away the sack cocoon was moving. They feed on a wide variety of Australian native and introduced plants, including Eucalyptus (gum-trees), Epacris (native heath) and Silver Wattle Acacia dealbata. Saunders Case Moths (Metura elongatus) for that is their real name, spend most of their lives in these cleverly constructed cocoons. They remain within the cocoon case. It’s large, about 15cm long, with sticks woven into the sides. The female lays thousands of eggs within the case. Usually all you see is the cocoon. For most mothsr and butterflies the cocoon is just a temporary shelter while they turn from caterpillar to adult. But if you know your Melbourne garden well, you will find that the cocoon moves frequently – not necessarily while you are watching, but over a few days. Saunders' Case Moths, Large Bagworm - Metura elongatus (Oiketicus elongatus) Family Psychidae. If disturbed it retreats into the cocoon#2 and eventually creeps out to feed again #3. The female lays thousands of eggs within the case. Found the cocoon in a Dodonaea shrub and observed the caterpillar feeding on Dodonaea leaves. And their identification matched those of experts, with Museums Victoria’s Senior Curator of Entomology Dr Ken Walker confirming to Yahoo7 News the species Metura elongatus was responsible. At the end of the two years, if it’s possible to imagine, is where things get much weirder in the Saunders Case Moth’s family life cycle. http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/psyc/elongatus.html, See great pictures here: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:07c53617-7d4b-4256-9c96-f6f84d64afcd#gallery. This page contains information and pictures about Large Bagworms that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia. If threatened, they simply seal the entrance and wait until the threat passes before cutting their way out of the sealed entrance. The caterpillar builds its cocoon sack from the head end. The process of cutting the slit alone can take an hour. It is a large caterpillar with 10mm in cross diameter. This is a Bagworm in the family Psychidae, and we quickly identified it as a Large Bagworm or Saunder’s Case Moth, Metura elongatus, on the Brisbane Insect Website. The caterpillar is indeed large, around ten centimetres long, a shiny black with orange stripes and a matching, rounded nub of a head. Mating takes place through the hole in the ‘tail end’ of the female’s case. The twigs themselves are incorporated into the silk by the caterpillar cutting a slit on the inside, temporarily attaching a twig to the outside beforehand. Saunders' Case-Moth, Metura elongata (now known as Oiketicus elongatus) The larvae and cases of this species far exceed any of the others in size, and when, as last year, they are unusually abundant they attract the attention of the most incurious observer. Identification history. https://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:07c53617-7d4b-4256-9c96-f6f84d64afcd#gallery. Saunders' Case Moth, Metura elongatus. But the true surprise is that you would never suspect that this tattered twiggy casing contained a large, brightly coloured, living larva. But who transmits the knowledge that allows these juvenile caterpillars to build such intricate cocoon shelters, both parents are dead by the time they are hatchlings? Its underbelly was covered in a series of sharp, opposing nails that dragged itself and the sack across the path and grass. When she moves only her front half comes out of the cocoon and she drags it along behind her. They are common in the suburbs of Melbourne and Werribee. Saunders Case Moth Caterpillar (Metura Elongatus) dragging its Cocoon. Those that survive, grow, move off and re-start the Saunders Case Moth’s life cycle, building their own sack cocoons. I remember them from when I first arrived at Sanctuary Lakes gardens andaround the fringes the... Koala Conservation Days, so we are bringing that information online twig into position from the head only out... 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