Coleophoridae

37.083 Orache Case-bearer Coleophora saxicolella (Duponchel, [1843])

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 6 to 7.5mm

Habitats: Wasteground, arable land and old farmyards, breckland, sand-dunes and shingle beaches.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds internally on the seeds of most goosefoots and oraches. The early case is constructed from grey-brown silk, incorporating plant debris and frass grains. It enlarges the width of its case by cutting longitudinal slits and incorporating undecorated silk, which gives the case a striped appearance. The fully formed trivalved case is subcylinderical and 6 to 7mm long m.o. at a 20° to 30° angle. The full-fed larva leaves the foodplant in October to overwinter and then pupates in early June on a stem close to the ground.