Coleophora deauratella

Lienig & Zeller, 1846
Red Clover Casebearer

Sort #: 1277 | P #: 591556.1 | MPG #: 1398.2
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link

Larval feeding type: Seed feeder, in a tubular silk seed case
Larval substrate: Trifolium pratense (Red Clover)
Phenology: Adult: 5/24 to 8/10 (30 records)

Comment: A small metallic species (FWL 5.2-7.8mm), very similar to C. mayrella, but that species has white-ringed antennae, lacking in C. deauratella. Males tend to be larger than females. Females could be confused with C. trifolii (both have thickened antennal bases), but females of that species are usually noticeably larger (FWL ~6.0-8.5mm, compared to 5.2-6.7mm in deauratella) and have yellow post ocular scales rather than dark brown.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, common
Status in N. America: Introduced
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1993
Last Year Reported: 2025

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes
Number of Records: 31