Why in the News?

Researchers from the Zoology Department at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, have discovered a new species of bagworm moth, Wizard Bagworm, from near the Nariyampara Falls in the Idukki district.

What is a Bagworm Moth?

• Belonging to the family of moths in the order Lepidoptera, bagworm moths are recognized for their protective larval cases.
• These moths are distributed globally, with notable populations in North America and Africa.
• In their larval stage, these perennial moths inhabit various evergreen trees and junipers.
• They derive their name from the bag-like cases constructed by the larvae around themselves.
• The larvae can pose a threat to trees, particularly evergreens.

About Eumasia Venefica:

• This recently identified species earned its name due to the unique shape of its bag, resembling a wizard's hat.
• It is the fourth species within this genus to be documented in India.
• Distinctive Features:
• The species exhibits effective camouflage techniques to evade predators.
• Larval cases of Eumasia venefica are discovered attached to rocks adorned with lichens.
• These cases join together, forming a colony covered with lichens.
• The larval bags bear a resemblance to a 'witch's hat,' featuring a disc-like anterior and a tubular posterior part.
• Unlike polyphagous pests, the larvae of this species exclusively feed on algae and mosses present on rocks.