Last modified: June 17, 2024, 12:28 p.m.
Coleophora virgaureae has long been considered a synonym of Coleophora obscenella. However, Baldizzone & Tabell (2002) recognized these as distinct species. The first record, with the correct name Coleophora virgaureae, dates back from 1862 when cases were found on Solidago virgaurea at Groenendaal (Hoeilaart).
A very rare and local species in the southern part of Belgium, mainly known from the Calestienne.
Native
Wingspan12–15 mm.
The forewings are ochreous, often with a greyish shine. The longitudinal lines are pure white. A white costal line till 5/6 of the wing. There are blackish-brown dots at the basis till half of the wing.
The antennae are annulated light brown and white.
The larvae live in a 5–6 mm long, tri-valved, dark brown, silken case. The early case is light brown but changes rather quickly into dark brown. Therefore it is hard to find between the seed heads of the plant which have the same colour.
The mouth angle is 40–70°.
See also bladmineerders.be.
The eggs are deposited on the flowers of the host plant. The adults come to light.
The adults are on the wing from late July till September.
The larvae feed mainly on Solidago virgaurea and in Belgium it's also found regularly on Aster linosyris. Also recorded on Tripolium pannonicum and Aster sedifolius.