Tower casemoth (Lepidoscia arctiella)

This moth larva builds it's case in stepped expanding segments.
Perfectly chosen and measured sticks come from native Cupressus sp.
Found in a small suburban nature reserve.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

My mind is blown. Until now, this was one of the most impressive structures built by arthropods that I have seen:
http://i.livescience.com/images/i/000/056/579/i02/web-structure-amazon-1.jpg?1378306489

...this one is equally insane though! Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
1. Mark Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  I remember seeing that circle somewhere and discussing it with others. Stupid brain has forgotten where we got to with it. Nature does some amazing design work. Posted 9 years ago

Annette Flottwell

Lion

excellent shot, well seen!
Nicky Bay (we should get him to join here) Singapore's most amazing macro specialist, posted this here
http://sgmacro.blogspot.com/2016/01/5-mysterious-structures-world-smallest-architects.html

look at the log cabin Posted 9 years ago
1. Mark Ridgway
  
  Lion
  
  Hi Annette. this was the only shot I got of this casemoth so the posting is really about the amazing structure.
  It's even still got my fat fingers in there !!... but thanks for the kind words. :)
  I'm sure Nicky Bay would make it look amazing. Posted 9 years ago

The Tower Case Moth

This Caterpillar attaches sticks all around its case, all of the same length, and attaches them parallel to the axis of the case. When the Caterpillar grows sufficiently long, it attaches a new set similarly arranged to the old set, except that more are attached so that the radius of the new part of the case is bigger. The Caterpillar does this several times as it grows, giving a tiered appearance to the case. The case can grow to a length of up to 3 cms.

Info 5 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Jivko Nakev