Bagworm Moths Build Tiny Portable Houses For Themselves That Are Almost Impenetrable (Pics & Video)

Lets talk about tiny houses. These little critters have us beat by a long shot. Using silk to pull together bits of leaves, twigs or other plant materials, bagworm moths craft unique, temporary homes that are the model of efficiency. The best part? Some take their houses on the road. These little fellas construct cases that are like portable homes and save them from predators.

Each species of bagworm moth makes a distinctive looking case, depending on what kind of components are on hand when they start building their tiny homes. Therefore, sometimes it's easier to tell the bagworm moth species apart by taking a look at their case, rather than the animal itself. They come in every size and form: cases are usually between 1 and 15 centimeters long, and some may look primitive, while others resemble a pavilion or a log house. As they grow, bagworms expand and attach new twigs or other elements to their homes. Most commonly, cases can be found attached to trees, bushes, or rocks, but caterpillars can also carry their cases when they are on the move for hunting. Their movement resembles a turtle when they drag their case with their heads out at the top. However, if the caterpillar is in danger, it can seal every opening on the case, completely closing itself from any harm's way.