Coleophoridae

37.0567 Crown Vetch Case-bearer Coleophora coronillae Zeller, 1849

Immigrant

Similar species: This moth is golden-brown in colour with a white leading edge to the forewing and two white veins running along the wing. For a positive identification check the genitalia.

Forewing: 6.5 to 8mm

Habitats: Short grassland and wasteland. The first record in Britain was a specimen from Hollesley, East Suffolk on 11th June 2023. Crown Vetch is rare in Britain, therefore this species may not be able to colonise. In Europe it is found from Germany down to Italy across to the Iberian Peninsula, Iran, southern Russia and central Asia.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva mines the seed cases of Crown Vetch from where it forms a dull brown, two-valved tubular case formed from silk and a section of a leaf. M.O.45.