Coleophora spinella (Schrank, 1802) Species
Last modified: Nov. 28, 2025, 1:59 p.m.
A fairly common species in Belgium, but overlooked, due to its difficult determination with many other greyish species.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Coleophoridae > Genus: Coleophora > Species: Coleophora spinella
- Vernacular names
- Geelkopprunuskokermot (NL), Apple & plum case-bearer (EN)
- Synonyms
- Coleophora cerasivorella Packard, 1870 , Coleophora nigricella sensu auct. and Coleophora serratella sensu auct.
- First mention in Belgium
- De Crombrugghe G. 1906a. Catalogue raisonné des Microlépidoptères de Belgique. — Mémoires de la Société entomologique de Belgique XIII: 1–172; XIV: 1–155. On page 43.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 10.5–14 mm.
A grey species with a yellow-grey costal line, sometimes darker colored.
The antennae are ringed alternately brown-white till the tip.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Case
In the first year, in autumn, a composite leaf case is made. In its second year the larva makes a trivalved tubular leaf case of about 6 mm, with a mouth angle of ca. 45°.
Bionomics
The larva lives two years. The larva mines a leaf and later lives in a series of portable cases on
Pupation in the case, generally attached to the upper surface of a leaf in a sunny position.
The adults become active shortly after sunrise and at sunset.
Flight periods
The adults fly in June and July.
