Coleophora trifolii, the trefoil thick-horned tinea or large clover case-bearer, is a moth of the family Coleophoridae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, Afghanistan and North America.
The wingspan is 15–20 mm. A metallic bronze green Coleophora with pale yellow scales fringing its eyes. Certain identification relies on microscopic examination of the genitalia.Emmet A.M., Langmaid J.R., Bland K.P., Corley M.G.V. & Razowski J, Coleophoridae in A. Maitland Emmet ed., 1996 The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Volume 3 (Yponomeutidae to Elachistidae)
Adults are on wing from June to July. They are active during the day.
The larvae feed from July to September on the seeds of Melilotus species (including Melilotus albus, Melilotus officinalis and Melilotus altissima).
References
Further reading Emmet, A M (1996), The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, 3, Yponomeutidae-Elachistidae Langmaid J R, Palmer S M, Young M R (2018), A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland British Entomological and Natural History Society
External links