Lotus Case-bearer Coleophora discordella

Larvae of this species feed on Bird's-foot Trefoils Lotus. The species seems to be increasing in Norfolk (see Norfolk Moths).

Adults of this species are superficially similar to the slightly larger Gorse Case-bearer Coleophora albicosta, but are even closer to the much rarer Petty Whin Case-bearer Coleophora genistae and to eliminate that species you need dissect the abdomen and examine the genitalia. Broom Case-bearer Coleophora saturella may also need to be eliminated carefully, especially if worn. Perhaps the most obvious difference between female discordella genitalia and the three similar species mentioned here is the extent of black spiculation on the ductus bursae, only running a short distance down on discordella but a long way down on the other three.

female Lotus Case-bearer Coleophora discordella showing genitalia, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 21st June 2025