Bagworms are not worms at all; they are the larvae of certain moths. In Alabama, bagworms usually start hatching in April and into May. They have a very wide host range but are usually associated with arborvitae or juniper. They strip foliage from trees and shrubs, starting at the top of the plant and eating it bare. Excessive defoliation may kill conifers within one or two seasons. They weave dangling silken bags as they feed, incorporating some of the host plant foliage into the bag for camouflage. As the bagworms grows, it enlarges the bag and adds fresh plant material to the outside. In August the worms mature and molt into the pupal stage. The bag is firmly attached by a sturdy silk band which the bagworms usually wrap around a twig. During August and September, male moths emerge from their bags to mate. After mating, females lay their eggs inside the pupal cast skins and die.