37.033 Coleophora trifolii Large Clover Case-bearer Copyright Martin Evans
37.033 Coleophora trifolii Large Clover Case-bearer female Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 37.033 Coleophora trifolii Large Clover Case-bearer Copyright Martin Evans

Coleophoridae

37.033 Melilot Case-bearer Coleophora trifolii (Curtis, 1832)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 7 to 9.5mm

Habitats: Breckland, disused quarries and wasteland.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and occasionally comes to light.

Foodplant: The larvae feed on the seeds of Ribbed Melilot, Tall Melilot or White Melilot. The case is at first made of a single seed husk, later another is added which becomes more symetrical with time. The larva is full-fed by early September when it overwinters probably in the leaf litter. The final instar trivalved case is made from a larger single mature seed pod or the original two pods adapted at the end with dark brown silk to make it trivalved. This case is about 8mm long, m.o. at a 70° angle. Pupation takes place in May in the leaf litter.