Coleophora laricella (Hübner, 1817) Species
Last modified: Dec. 23, 2024, 11:41 a.m.
A fairly common species throughout Belgium. Can be locally very common and become a pest on Larix.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Coleophoridae > Genus: Coleophora > Species: Coleophora laricella
- Vernacular names
- Larikskokermot (NL), Larch case-bearer (EN), Porte-case du mélèze (FR), Lärchenminiermotte (DE)
- Synonyms
- Coleophora nigricornis von Heinemann & Wocke, 1877
- First mention in Belgium
- De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 143 (as C.[oleophora] Laricella. H.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 8–11 mm.
The forewings are shiny grey without any distinct pattern.
Not so clearly, the antennae are alternately ringed dark brown-white, there is also variation in it.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
No pictures yet!Genitalia
Case
After the 3th moult, the larva built a small tubular case which is about 7 mm long and light brown.
The mouth angle is 70–80°.
See also bladmineerders.be
Mine
The little brown round markings on the needles indicate that there is mining from the first 2 instars of the larvae.
Bionomics
Eggs are deposited on the underside of a needle.
After 10–15 days the larva emerges. The young larva mines the needles of Larix during the first two instars.
Later on, it constructs a small case from a part of a needle in which it hibernates. After winter it continues feeding in spring. Larvae are fully fed around the end of May.
Pupation happens on a needle, bud, or on a small twig.
Very often, the adults are to be found on the lower branches of Larix.
Flight periods
The adults fly from May till July.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Larix decidua
- Host plant (genera):
- Larix
Monophagous on Larix.
