While they are probably not the best things to have around the garden, case moths or bag worm moths are pretty intelligent creatures for just being a "dumb caterpillar" (not my description, for sure!). The tiny caterpillars of these moths have home-building down to a science...literally! The ingenuous cocoons should be studied by people and perhaps some of the methods could be copied to create sturdier homes. These "caterpillar cabins" can withstand some pretty vigorous abuse and still stay intact.
This morning while Bat, the Bayou Prince Cat, and I were out in the garden, I noticed he had scampered up an old birdfeeder stand. Bat is at that age where everything needs exploring and everything is fair game as a playground. At the tiptop of the stand, he started batting at something. On inspection, I found he was smacking a case moth cocoon. This was one of the first ones that I have ever noticed that was completely made from lichen. Most are made from leaves or sticks which helps them to blend in with the surroundings. Well, this stand was lichen covered so the caterpillar chose lichen as a building material.
As I mentioned earlier, these critters can make pretty durable homes. Bat tried his best to dislodge the case from the birdfeeder stand but had no luck. Soon, he came tumbling down and the case stayed put. The caterpillar will be happy to know that I will not bother it. If it can withstand an attack from a crazy cat, it has my approval and can stay in the garden.
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