Coleophoridae

37.084 Goosefoot Case-bearer Coleophora sternipennella (Zetterstedt, 1839)

Notable B

Similar species: The case and early habits of this species are identical to Coleophora saxicolella except this species is on average smaller and the longitudinal striping is less obvious.

Forewing: 5 to 7mm

Habitats: Wasteland and arable fields.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds internally on the seeds of Fat-hen and most other 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 4.5 to 7mm long m.o. at a 20° to 30° angle. The full-fed larva leaves the foodplant in October to overwinter and then pupate in early June on a stem close to the ground.