Coleophora ledi

Stainton, 1860

Coleophora ledi is a small case-bearing ( Coleophoridae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. It has a trans-Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia from Fennoscandia to Japan, and in North America in eastern Canada, Michigan, and Alaska. The is notable for its larval specialization on Ericaceae shrubs, particularly Ledum and Chamaedaphne species.

Stellwaag 00439a01 by Klaus Rassinger (Museum Wiesbaden). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Hering 04.076 by Klaus Rassinger (Museum Wiesbaden). Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coleophora ledi: /koˈle.oˌfoː.ra/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Coleophora primarily by larval plant association and genitalia . require dissection and examination of genital structures for definitive identification. The larval case and feeding damage on Ledum or Chamaedaphne may provide field indicators.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan 10–13 mm. are typically drab in coloration, consistent with many Coleophora . Larvae construct portable silk cases characteristic of the Coleophoridae, incorporating plant material from their plants.

Habitat

Associated with wetland and peatland where plants grow. In North America, found in and subarctic regions including Alaska, Michigan, and eastern Canada. In Eurasia, occurs across northern latitudes from Fennoscandia through Russia to Japan, and southward to montane regions of the Pyrenees and Alps.

Distribution

Fennoscandia and northern Russia south to the Pyrenees and Alps; east to Japan. North America: eastern Canada, Michigan, and Alaska.

Diet

Larvae feed on Ledum palustre (wild rosemary), Ledum groenlandicum (Labrador tea), and Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf). feeding habits unknown.

Host Associations

Ledum palustre - larval plantwild rosemary
Ledum groenlandicum - larval plantLabrador tea
Chamaedaphne calyculata - larval plantleatherleaf

Life Cycle

Larvae feed internally or externally on plant leaves, constructing portable silk cases. occurs within the larval case or in a silken cocoon attached to the host plant. are active in summer months; specific varies by latitude.

Behavior

Larvae carry their silk cases while feeding and moving between plant parts, a characteristic of Coleophoridae. Cases are enlarged as larvae grow.

Ecological Role

Herbivore specializing on Ericaceae shrubs in wetland . May serve as prey for and other natural enemies, though specific relationships are undocumented.

Similar Taxa

Other Coleophora speciesMany Coleophora are morphologically similar and require genitalia examination for identification; plant association provides a distinguishing character for C. ledi

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'ledi' derives from the Ledum, reflecting the primary larval association. The genus Ledum has been synonymized with Rhododendron in some modern treatments, though the name Ledum remains in common use for these wetland shrubs.