The Bagworm 

 J. Andrew Drushel 



Bagw^orms may be known by the large, oval 

 cases hanging from twigs of shrubs and trees from 

 September to May. Have the children ascertain 

 to what extent this pest occurs in their district. 

 Several profitable lessons can be given using the 

 following outline : 



i-i Problem. Why is the bagworm a dangerous 

 pest? 

 1-2 What trees does it attack ? Have pupils 

 answer this question by bringing twigs 

 with bagworm cases from as many 

 different trees as possible. 

 2-2 Are there many cases on the trees in your district ? Have 

 each pupil select a certain tree and determine how 

 many cases it carries. 

 3-2 Do bagworms increase rapidly? 



1-3 Open carefully several of the larger closed cases, 

 remove and examine contents. Count the eggs in 

 one case. Does this work help you answer 

 question 3? 



2-3 How are bagworms protected from their ^vnnter 



enemies ? 



4-2 Are the cases capable of doing harm to the trees? Find 



your answer from the trees. How can you tell whether 



a case has hung on a given twig one, two, or three 



years ? 



5-2 Bring some cases containing eggs into the school room 

 early in April and watch for young bagworms. This 

 observation should t^U how they move, how they pro- 

 tect themselves against their summer enemies, and why 

 they are called bagworms. 



6-2 How are bagworms harmful to trees in stmimer? In May 

 have the children examine trees for young bagworms. 

 At this point have the children find and read a reference 

 describing the life histor\- of the bagworm. 



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