37.055 BF541

Coleophora pyrrhulipennella

Zeller, 1839

Wingspan c. 11-14 mm.

A fairly common species throughout much of mainland Britain, inhabiting moorland, heaths and bogs. It also occurs sparsely in Ireland.

The larva forms a distinctive black case from silk, from which it feeds on the foliage or flowers of heather (Calluna vulgaris) or bell heather (Erica cinerea). The larval case reaches around 9mm in length when fully fed in May or June.

The pupa is formed in the larval case, which is attached to the tip of a shoot in full sunshine.

The adults fly mainly in June and July.