30/09/23 Photos 1-4 - Caterpillar constructs
An interesting kind of caterpillar can be found in the rainforests of the Wet Tropics (and elsewhere of course).
The caterpillars typically expected to build portable cases are those within the Tineoidea superfamily, although this behavior is indeed not limited to "bagworms".
These caterpillars, which remained hidden in their strange shoelace shelters, are within the Stericta genus (Pyralidae). Though I was unable to photograph the caterpillars themselves, others on iNaturalist have managed to do so.
(here)
The caterpillars I came across were feeding in a small group on a young tree. Unfortunately, the plant species remains unidentified, though I hope the caterpillar infestation does not hold it back too much.
Stericta spotted before (past posts lack alt text): (link) (link)
30/09/23 - Stericta sp.
QLD:WET - Eubenangee Swamp National Park, edge of rainforest