Cherry Leaf-cone Caterpillar Moth
Common NameCherry Leaf-cone Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameColeophora pruniella
FamilyColeophoridae
SubfamilyColeophorinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorscoppery-brown, purplish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, orchards, gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsPrunus (cherry, plum, sloe), Crataegus (hawthorn), Malus (apple), Sorbus (rowan)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive 'leaf cones' or cases from leaf tissue, which they carry as they feed. Pupation occurs within these protective cases.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small and slender body, the coppery-brown, iridescent forewings held close to the body, and the characteristic leaf-cone cases made by its larvae on cherry and related Rosaceae plants.
Description
A very small, slender moth with elongated, narrow, coppery-brown forewings that exhibit a subtle purplish iridescence, held tightly along the body at rest. Its head is yellowish-brown, and its legs are pale with dark bands.
