Coleophora argentula

Alternative names
Yarrow Case-bearer
Description

Wingspan 9.5 to 13 mm. This moth is similar to some other Coleophora species and gen det is necessary for identification.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

The females lay their eggs on the flowers of Yarrow or Sneezewort and favour areas where either of these plants is present.

When to see it

This moth emerges in a single generation, flying in July and August, sometimes coming to light.

Life History

Early instars of the larvae are spent within the seedhead. Each forms a silken case, initially white, but brown when fully formed and about 5 or 6mm long. Pupation takes place within the case.

UK Status

The moth is widespread in Southern England and Wales, and is also found in Central Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

Reference
37.102 BF563

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Yarrow Case-bearer
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Coleophoridae
Records on NatureSpot:
6
First record:
17/07/2013 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
10/07/2022 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records