Coleophora alticolella explained

Coleophora alticolella is a moth of the family Coleophoridae, found in Europe and North America.

Descriptions

The wingspan is 10–12 mm. Head pale ochreous. Antennae white, ringed with light fuscous anteriorly except at apex. Forewings light yellow-ochreous ; costa white to near apex ; veins marked with fine whitish lines ; costal cilia posteriorly pale yellow-ochreous, tips white. Hindwings grey.^[1] Adults are on wing from June to July and possibly again from late April to May.^[2]

First generation larvae feed on the seedheads of rushes (Juncus species), woodrush (Luzula species) and club-rush (Scirpus species), while the second generation feeds on glasswort (Salicornia species). They create a whitish case with yellowish brown granules. It is about 6 mm long with a mouth angle of 0°-5°.^[3]

Distribution

The moth is found in most of Europe (including Iceland) and is also known from North America.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf Keys and description
2. Web site: Kimber . Ian . 37.073 BF584 Coleophora alticolella Zeller, 1849 . UKmoths . 18 January 2020.
3. Web site: Ellis . W N . Coleophora alticolella Zeller, 1849 common rush case-bearer . Plant Parasites of Europe . 18 January 2020.
4. Web site: 421638.00 – 1379 – Coleophora alticolella – Zeller, 1849 . Moths Photographers Group . 18 January 2020.