Octagonal Casemaker Moth (Homaledra octagonella)

Casebearer on Ulmus sp(?). ~12 mm or so in length.
https://bugguide.net/node/view/229786/bgimage

One of the weirdest things I've seen in a while! From what I read today:
Casebearer moth larvae live in distinctive portable cases constructed of frass, silk, and plant matter. These larvae mine the leaves of their host plant (which is often specific) and discard their cases once they outgrow them.

comments (9)

Christine Young

Lion

This is so awesome! I would have liked it, but I ran out of likes :D. Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  AWww! That is okay <3 It likes you back! :D Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Hehe! I came back to click like. The shape of this case is so crazy, isn't it?! Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      It is. It looked like a thorn stuck to the leaf! Posted 5 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Epic! Never seen such an odd-shaped case! I wonder how specifically the horn-like shape is constructed? Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  I would love to see the process, but I would assume the larva has modified salivary glands (silk glands) that it spins the other materials with. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    But I mean the pointy thing, what would be the source material? Or is it constructed from smaller pieces?
    
    Not easy questions, I know :) Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      My guess is that they use partially digested materials from the host plant and their own frass mixed with the silk from salivary glands? Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Could be, would be ingenious! Posted 5 years ago