Coleophora alcyonipennella (Kollar, 1832)

clover case-bearer

on Trifolium

Coleophora alcyonipennella imago

Greece Lefkas, Katouna, 4.v.2018 © Laurens van der Linde

parasite

The larva eats de ripening seeds out of pods, living in a case built from a dried floret. They are very difficult to discover.

host plants

Fabaceae, monophagous

Trifolium fragiferum, hybridum, pratense, repens.

Like C. frischella, also this species is often mentioned in association with other plants, mostly Asteraceae.It seems almost certain that this stems from confusion with other species.

phenology

Exceptionally, this species has two generations. The larvae of the second generation pass the winter in diapause.

distribution within Europe

Al of Europe, but missing in Ireland (PESI, 2018).

references

Baldizzone (1988b, 2020a), Baldizzone & van der Wolf (2000a), Beiger (1958a), Biesenbaum & van der Wolf (1999a), Buhr (1935a), Hering (1921b, 1957a), Huemer (1986b), Ivinskis & Savenkov (1991a), Lepiforum (2023), Patzak (1974a), Sønderup (1949a), Stary (1930a), Stübner (2007a), Szőcs (1977a), Toll (1962a).