Stitchwort Case-bearer
Common NameStitchwort Case-bearer
Scientific NameColeophora mayrella
FamilyColeophoridae
SubfamilyColeophorinae
Wingspan (mm)10.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsmetallic brown, bronze
HabitatWoodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsStellaria holostea, Stellaria graminea, Stellaria media
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are case-bearers, constructing a portable silken case covered with plant fragments, within which they feed on the leaves of stitchworts. They typically overwinter as larvae inside their cases.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, metallic bronze-brown forewings, and association with stitchwort host plants. Definitive identification often requires examination of the larval case or genitalic dissection for adults due to similarity with other *Coleophora* species.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its uniformly metallic bronze-brown forewings and long, filiform antennae.
