Coleophora trifolii explained

Coleophora trifolii, the trefoil thick-horned tinea or large clover case-bearer, is a moth of the family Coleophoridae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Afghanistan and North America.

The wingspan is 15–20 mm. A metallic bronze green Coleophora with pale yellow scales fringing its eyes. Certain identification relies on microscopic examination of the genitalia.Adults are on wing from June to July. They are active during the day.^[1]

The larvae feed from July to September on the seeds of Melilotus species (including Melilotus albus, Melilotus officinalis and Melilotus altissima). ^[2]

Further reading

• Emmet, A M (1996), The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, 3, Yponomeutidae-Elachistidae
• Langmaid J R, Palmer S M, Young M R (2018), A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland British Entomological and Natural History Society ISBN: 9781899935086

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kimber . Ian . 37.033 BF516 Large Clover Case-bearer Coleophora trifolii (Curtis, 1832) . UKMoths . 24 November 2019.
2. Web site: Ellis . W N . Coleophora trifolii (Curtis, 1832) large clover casebearer on Melilotus . Plant Parasites of Europe . 24 November 2019.