Coleophora polemoniella

Larvae can be identified by their tubular, bivalved silken case—a characteristic structure of Coleophora species. The specific association with Polemonium reptans as a host plant distinguishes this species from other Coleophora in its range. Adults are small moths typical of the family Coleophoridae, though specific diagnostic features for this species are not well documented.

Found in areas where the host plant Polemonium reptans occurs, typically in woodland settings and moist, shaded environments where this perennial wildflower grows.

United States, with confirmed records from Ohio. The full extent of its range within the United States is poorly documented.

Larvae feed on leaves of Polemonium reptans (Jacob's ladder). Adult feeding habits are unknown.

• Polemonium reptans - larval food plantLeaves are consumed; larvae construct silken cases while feeding

Larvae create a tubular, bivalved silken case during development. Details of egg, pupal, and adult stages are not documented.

Larval behavior includes case construction using silk, with the bivalved (two-part) case being a distinctive trait of the genus.

As a specialist herbivore on Polemonium reptans, the species contributes to leaf herbivory pressure on this plant species in its native range.

• Other Coleophora speciesMany Coleophora species construct similar tubular silken cases; accurate identification requires host plant association or adult genitalia examination

• case-bearer
• specialist herbivore
• Polemonium reptans
• North America
• Coleophoridae
• microlepidoptera

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life