Water-dock Case-bearer Coleophora hydrolapathella
The Water-dock Case-bearer (Coleophora hydrolapathella) is one of Britain’s rarest micro-moths, a case-bearing species whose larvae feed exclusively on Great Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum) in fen, reedbed edge, and ditch-margin habitats. Nationally very scarce, it is associated with wetland systems in East Anglia and a handful of other areas where its foodplant is well established. Suffolk’s fen and coastal wetland systems – particularly those of the Waveney Valley and the coastal grazing marsh levels – provide potential habitat wherever Great Water Dock grows in suitable, undisturbed conditions. Its highly specific foodplant association makes it an excellent indicator of wetland habitat quality and management continuity. Image: © Neil Sherman (Suffolk Moths).
Find out more: iNaturalist, Suffolk Moths
Suffolk’s Priority Moth Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
