Coleophora multipulvella

Chambers, 1878
Pistol Casebearer

Sort #: 1223 | P #: 591604.1 | MPG #: 1254
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Larval feeding type: Leaf feeder, in a pistol-shaped case, skeletonizing leaves rather than mining them, but can also feed on the flowers. The angle at top of the case is smoothly curved.
Larval substrate: Salix (Willow), Populus (Poplar), Malus (Apple), Prunus maritima* (Beach Plum), Prunus serotina* (Black Cherry)
Phenology: Adult: 6/26 to 6/27 (2 records)

Comment: The forewing ground-color can vary from white to brown, but unlike in the next species, there is just darker, fine sprinkling present, the veins are not distinct. Larvae feeding on Salix may be the very closely related and apparently Holarctic C. albidella. The Holarctic (or introduced) C. bernoulliella also feeds on Rosaceae, but the top angle of the case is less curved and forming a right-angle. The flatter section down to the valve has a distinct dip in the middle. The case is apparently very similar to that of C. sacramenta (and they may be synonymous).

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1929
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 11