Coleophora albicosta (Haworth, 1828) Species
Last modified: June 5, 2025, 2:47 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium that has been found in more places since 2004. Nevertheless it remains rarely observed.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Coleophoridae > Genus: Coleophora > Species: Coleophora albicosta
- Vernacular names
- Gaspeldoornkokermot (NL), Gorse case-bearer (EN), Stechginster-Sackmotte (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Fologne E. 1863. Addenda au catalogue des Lépidoptères de Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 7: 87–93. On page 92 (as Coleophora Albicosta Hw.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 12–16 mm.
The forewing of this species is light brown with lighter longitudinal stripes.
The antennae are ringed alternating white and black till the tip.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Case
The fully developed case is ± 7 mm long, tri-valved and with a mouth angle of 45°–60°.
See also bladmineerders.be.
Bionomics
The larva bores into a seed pod of Ulex europaeus or Genista spp. and feeds on the developing seeds. Later it leaves the pod and constructs a cigar-shaped case made of sepals. Finally, it leaves its feeding case and spins another case entirely made of silk.
The larva pupates after overwintering.
The adults are day-active, especially at dusk and later on come infrequently to light.
Flight periods
The adults fly from late May till early July in one generation.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Ulex europaeus and Genista germanica
- Host plant (genera):
- Ulex and Genista
The main hostplant is Ulex europaeus.
