''Coleophora'' is a very large genus of
moths of the family
Coleophoridae. It contains some 1,350 described species. The genus is represented on all continents, but the majority are found in the
Nearctic and
Palaearctic regions. Many authors have tried splitting the genus into numerous smaller ones, but most of these have not become widely accepted.
As with most members of the family, the
larvae initially feed on the seeds, flowers or leaves of the host plant, but when larger, they feed externally and construct distinctive protective silken cases, often incorporating plant material. Many species have specific host plants; discarded larval cases are often scattered thickly on affected plants.
Technical description
For terms see
External morphology of Lepidoptera
Antennae 4/5, porrected in repose, often thickened with scales towards base, in male simple, basal joint long, usually with rough scales or projecting tuft. Labial palpi rather long, recurved, second joint more or less roughscaled or tufted towards apex beneath, terminal shorter, acute. Posterior tibiae rough - haired. Forewings with costa often long - haired beneath ; lb furcate, 4 sometimes absent, 5 absent, 6 and 7 connate or stalked, 7 to costa, 8 absent. Hindwings 2/3, linear-lanceolate, cilia 3-4 ; transverse veins sometimes partly absent, 4 usually absent, 6 and 7 closely approximated or stalked.
[Meyrick, E., 1895 ''A Handbook of British Lepidoptera'' MacMillan, Londo]
pdf
Keys and description
Gallery
File:Coleophora lusciniaepennella.jpg, Female genitalia of '' C. lusciniaepennella''
File:Coleophora serratella.jpg, '' C. serratella'' case
File:Soft Rush with cocoons of Coleophora caespitiella.JPG, Soft rush
''Juncus effusus'', with the common names common rush or soft rush, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant species in the rush family Juncaceae. In North America, the common name soft rush also refers to '' Juncus interior''.
Distribution
'' ...
(''Juncus effusus'') inflorescence with feeding damage and cases of '' C. caespitiella''
File:Coleophora binderella damage.jpg, Black alder (''Alnus glutinosa'') with feeding damage (center) and case (center-right) of '' C. binderella''
Synonyms
References
External links
Fauna EuropaeaHOSTS - Caterpillar Hostplants Database
{{Taxonbar, from=Q1306644
Moth genera
Taxa named by Jacob Hübner