Coleophoridae

37.087 Scarce Orache Case-bearer Coleophora vestianella (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notable A

Similar species:

Forewing: 5.5 to 6.5mm

Habitats: Breckland and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth flies in the evening and occasionally it will come to light later.

Foodplant: The larva initially feeds internally on the seeds of Common Orache, other oraches or goosefoots. In September, in a late instar, it constructs a case and feeds externally, often on the fallen seeds. It enlarges the width of its case by cutting longitudinal slits and incorporating undecorated silk, which gives the case a striped appearance. It is full-fed by October when it overwinters. It pupates in April in the leaf litter. The fully formed subcylindrical, trivalved case is made from brown silk heavily spattered with 'meal' from the foodplant as well as frass. It is 6mm long, m.o. at a 30° to 35° angle.