Coleophora ostryae

Clemens, 1861

Coleophora ostryae is a small case-bearing in the Coleophoridae. It is found in eastern North America, with records from Maryland and Ontario. The larvae construct distinctive spatulate leaf cases and feed on the foliage of several hardwood tree .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coleophora ostryae: /koʊliˈɒfərə ˈɑːstriˌeɪ/

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Identification

Larvae can be identified by their spatulate (spoon-shaped) leaf cases, a characteristic structure of many Coleophora . The specific case shape and plant associations may help distinguish C. ostryae from related case-bearing moths. are small with narrow wings typical of the Coleophoridae.

Habitat

Associated with deciduous forests and woodlands containing tree .

Distribution

Eastern North America; documented from Maryland (United States) and Ontario (Canada).

Diet

Larvae feed on leaves of Ostrya, Carpinus, Carya, and Quercus .

Host Associations

  • Ostrya - larval primary referenced in specific epithet
  • Carpinus - larval
  • Carya - larval
  • Quercus - larval

Life Cycle

Larvae construct portable leaf cases from plant material. Case construction is a defining trait of the Coleophora.

Behavior

Larvae create and carry spatulate leaf cases for protection while feeding on foliage.

Ecological Role

Herbivore; larval feeding contributes to leaf damage on hardwood trees.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Coleophora speciesMany construct similar leaf cases; identification often requires examination of case , plant, and genitalia.

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'ostryae' derives from Ostrya, the primary .

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