Case-bearer for ID

goosey · #1 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 05:01 PM

I spotted this case-bearer approx 1cm long on Oak.
The moth larva poked his head out while I was photographing it - to feed presumably?
Any Ideas what this one is please?

It is very different to the other two types I have found recently see-
http://www.wildabouttheworld.com/gallery/data//521/thumbs/2009-04-15_case_bearer.JPG and
http://www.wildabouttheworld.com/gallery/data//521/thumbs/2009-04-13_larval_case.JPG

H Dogg · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 01:59 PM

Its a Coleophora sp looks like Coleophora flavipennella a species found on oak.

goosey · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2009, 06:46 PM

I think you are right H Dogg - thanks

. It turns into a boring little moth after such an interesting start.

goosey · #4 (**permalink**) 26-06-2009, 01:44 PM

Here is a different type of case-bearer I found today, this was on Ragwort and not the trunk of a tree like the other types I have found - it looks like a pile of frass. I saw the larva but it's head dashed back in the case when I started to take too much interest. Any ideas please to it's identity?
Thanks

.

goosey · #5 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 11:12 AM

I found lots of these case bearer cases today, again on ragwort. I think they were the same type as those I found in June on post 4 by the look of it. Luckily this time I spotted a larva

.
Any ideas to its identity please.

goosey · #6 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 04:06 PM

I am still trying to ID this little chap. I was really sure this was a case bearer larva (purely because it was on the nest type thing they build). But, someone else suggests it is actually a Beetle larva!
What are your thoughts about this possibility?

charlieb · #7 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 08:06 AM

Hmm, where to answer

I'm pretty sure this is lepidopteran - it looks similar to the Rivulet, but also to some of the micro-moths - how big was it?

goosey · #8 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlieb

Hmm, where to answer

After being patient

and not getting a response here, I decided to try other avenues

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlieb

I'm pretty sure this is lepidopteran - it looks similar to the Rivulet, but also to some of the micro-moths - how big was it?

That's good to hear, it was about 7mm.

The skin looks a bit crinkled on this one - do you think it is about to, or just moulted? I have never come across this happening before so wouldn't know what to expect.

The Rivulet looks awfully similar doesn't it, I will have to check out some more micro larva when I have time - thanks.

charlieb · #9 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosey

That's good to hear, it was about 7mm.

Sounds like it might be a micro (also The Rivulet appears to only eat Silene and Lychnis)

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosey

I will have to check out some more micro larva when I have time - thanks.

Good luck... i've had a quick flick through and found a good few dozen that it might be

- foodplant might help to narrow it down though!

charlieb · #10 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 12:15 PM

Forgot to say, do you know what part of the plant it was eating? The other shot looks like it might be inside the stem?

goosey · #11 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlieb

Forgot to say, do you know what part of the plant it was eating? The other shot looks like it might be inside the stem?

The case was made on the heads of 3 ragwort flowers, pulling them into one mass. I don't know if it was eating or buiding/reparing the case.
The larva which should have been obvious in the first picture was also on top until I started to try and photograph it and it went back inside the case.