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Small Ribbed-Case moth

Hyalarcta nigrescens

Photo by Leuba Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This small conical structures are ribbed silk cases of case moth caterpillars. They are said to have about 7 prominent ribs. these were smooth and had no attached leaves, twigs or debris. about 15 mm tall.

Habitat:

Spotted on a young Eucalyptus tree.

Notes:

These caterpillars feed on gum leaves and stay within their protective "bags" where they pupate and mature. Males leave the cases/bags while females never leave their protective shelters.

Family: Psychidae

Reference Links:

Ribbed Case Moth - Hyalarcta nigrescens

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Leuba Ridgway
Scott, I can see the ribs in your too. I am determined to document all the different psychids I see. They are interesting.
Leuba Ridgway
Martin, I think they are one and the same. I saw at least two closed ribbed cases on other leaves of the same tree ( similar to your spottings). The open ones looking like witches hats were active and I saw one draw back in and looked like it was in the process of closing the top as if with a draw string !!
MartinL
Leuba. This casemoth is possibly a longer one but has folded its tent up for the day. Check this observation http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/38484038
Scott Frazier
I never really mentioned the ribs seen in mine http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17893069 I guess I'll have to edit that description :-)
MartinL
Looks like a witches hat. Is it your understanding that the conical ones are young specimen that are still constructing their cases? http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8303660 http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/10501308

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Nests, hives, bowers, webs & other animal architecture
Mission
Moths of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 9, 2013

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