A report on positive phototaxis exhibited by newly emerged bagworm caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

The bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a polyphagous moth that defoliates ornamental shrubs and trees. It has been reported as an emerging pest in the coastal agroecosystem of Odisha, India. A small experiment demonstrated that bagworm's newly emerged larva (NEL) was positively phototactic under white and UV light. After emerging in the rearing box, the larva was exposed to 3 volts of LED white and UV lights. After which, its phototactic behaviour was observed. Considering this report, light traps can be used to catch this nuisance species, which may now be more manageable. Hanging light sources on infested plant branches may be one technique, and when larvae congregate on that area of the branch, it may be easy to remove and kill them.