Coleophoridae

37.095 Verge Case-bearer Coleophora trochilella (Duponchel, [1843])

Notable B

Similar species: Coleophora gardesanella Coleophora follicularis

Forewing: 5 to 6.5mm

Habitats: Downland, grassy slopes and open scrub, especially on the coast.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Mugwort, Yarrow, Hemp Agrimony and Tansy. On Yarrow the larva initially makes a short mine on the underside of a leaf from where it cuts its first case. The case is later extended with silk at the rear and gussets added and bridged with silk to make it wider and rings of mined leaf are added at the mouth end. The larva overwinters low down on a stem. In April feeding recommences. The finished tubular, trivalved case is ochreous with a darker dorsal patch, 9 to 10mm long, m.o. at a 45° to 60° angle. It pupates from mid May, low down on a stem or attached to adjacent foliage.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Hemp Agrimony, Goldilocks Aster and Ox-eye Daisy.