37.003 BF488

Coleophora limoniella

(Stainton, 1884)

Wingspan c.10 mm.

Occurring along the coasts of south-east England, East Anglia and Lincolnshire, this species inhabits saltmarsh habitats where the foodplant, common sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare) is present. The moths fly during the daytime from July to August.

The larva feeds on the seeds inside the flowers of the foodplant, making a series of portable cases which are left behind as the larva grows. It then bores into the stem and overwinters before pupation.