Prev Flights Rec Search
Psyche casta
Common Bagworm (Pallas, 1767)
Psychidae: Psychinae
186 / 11.012
Photo © Ben Sale,  Bramfield Park Woods, Hertfordshire (26/05/20) (Male)

Similar Herts & Middlesex Species: None
Wingspan: 12-15 mm
Flight: May - July
Foodplant:   Grass, Lichen, decaying plant matter.
Nat Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 2 (male)  Case: C1

General comments:
Widespread and usually numerous, though with some years of scarcity. Our earliest record is from the Sandridge area (Griffith, 1890). The distinctive larval cases are usually frequent low down on the trunks of trees of a great many species, on fence posts, grave stones, walls and various plants in the south of the county and the insect is likely to be pretty much everywhere here. Males are occasionally caught in light traps, but almost all reports are of cases - which if occupied will contain either a larva or a wingless adult female. When naming Psyche casta from cases, be sure to critically rule out Psyche crassiorella.

Recorded in 32 (78%) of 41 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1890.
Last Recorded in 2023.

Latest Records
Date#VC10k - General Area
03/11/2023120TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
06/09/2023120TL11 - Harpenden / Wheathampstead
23/06/2023120TL12 - Hitchin (S) / Whitwell
16/06/2023120SP91 - Tring
16/06/2023521TQ08 - Uxbridge
11/06/2023120SP91 - Tring
06/06/2023121TQ17 - Brentford / Hounslow / Richmond
27/05/2023120TL31 - Hertford
27/05/2023120TL31 - Hertford
25/05/2023120TL21 - Welwyn Garden City
Further info: Psyche casta
 
UK Moths
Mothdissection UK
Lepiforum.de Herts & Middlesex Moths (Full)
Back Record Home
iMoths V11.0 HD © Jim Wheeler 2024