Coleophoridae

37.072 Wood-rush Case-bearer Coleophora otidipennella (Hübner, [1817])

Local

Similar species: Coleophora glaucicolella Coleophora alticolella

Forewing: 5 to 6mm

Habitats: Damp woodland rides, damp meadows, fens and marshes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day and flies in the late afternoon.

Foodplant: The young larva feeds on the developing seeds in a seed-capsule of Field Wood-rush, Heath Wood-rush or Hairy Woodrush. The early case is initially semi-transparent, white and dusted with food particles. It later becomes opaque and ochreous except for a ventral line that remains white. The full sized larva feeds on fallen seeds in the detritus on the ground. The fully formed pale brown, cylindrical case has darker grey-brown vegetable debris engrained on its surface. It is trivalved and 5.5 to 6mm long, m.o. at a 10° to 15° angle. From late July it is full-fed and ready to overwinter. It pupates in April.