Social White

[Hank & Priscilla Brodkin]

Fred Heath in a private post tells me that the larvae themselves make
the parchment-like bag that acts a shelter for them and the pupae. If so
- this is certainly a wonder of cooperation amongst these sibling
larvae.  And of course I have never heard of an adult butterfly or moth
able to "spin" silk.  
This nest is not like that of the tent-caterpillar moths.  It is an
actual bag - so tough it can not be torn - but has to be cut.  Has
anyone out their - perhaps a Mexican scientist - worked with this
insect?
Exceedingly curious!
-- 
	             Hank & Priscilla Brodkin
	          Carr Canyon, Cochise County, AZ
                    Lat: 31.450, Long: 110.267
             SouthEast Arizona Butterfly Association
          http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabasa/home.html