Morley’s Final Catalogue: Bentley Woods (Mly, Gibbs); Southwold in 1897 (Ctw); larval-cases not uncommon at Ampton and West Stow in 1911 (Nurse). Coddenham, &c. probably general.

Recent Status: A species common in the lighter land areas of Suffolk.

Life Style: A single brooded species that can be found as the moth during April, May and June. The female is apterous. The larvae are polyphagous on vegetable and animal matter. They feed from a portable case in which they pupate.

Identification: The male moth flies in early morning sunshine in search of females that have emerged overnight. The larval case is covered with long pieces of grass stem that are attached at the anterior end. The females pupate in a prominent position. Following mating they lay eggs inside the case.
The larvae on hatching build their cases from pieces of the mother’s case and her dead body is their first meal before they drop to the ground and feed for one or more years.

Verification Grade Comment: Grade 2 (male)

Recorded in 44 (76%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1897. Last Recorded in 2025. Additional Stats

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