Family Coleophoridae - Casebearer Moths

BugGuide currently follows the moth classification and nomenclature used at All-Leps.

They are called casebearers because the larvae live in portable cases made of plant material, frass and silk.

275 species in 4 subfamilies in North America listed at All-Leps

Small to very small moths, wingspan 5-26 mm.

Wings lancelike, usually one color; sometimes streaked or dusted with other colors.

Larvae mine in leaves, seeds and (rarely) stems.

From the second instar onward coleophorid larvae spend their entire life in a portable case that they make, using silk, host plant material, or a combination of both (with no variation within species). Case shape and construction is very often species specific, particularly when coupled with host plant.

Some species, overwinter as fully grown larvae, others need to feed in the spring to complete their development.

[excerpts of edited quote by Jean-Francois Landry, copied from John Himmelman's website]

(1), page 441.

live larva and adult images plus edited quote discussing biology of Coleophora species by specialist Jean-Francois Landry, Agriculture Canada (John Himmelman, Connecticut)