37.107 Coleophora clypeiferella vs 37.108 Coleophora salicorniae
These are two of the three* Coleophora species that usually show forewing stigmata. They are similar in size and both fly in July and August. C.clypeiferella is scarce on waste ground in south central and south-east England; C.salicorniae is common on saltmarsh in England and Wales.
*The third 37.039 C.hemerobiella is easily distinguished from them as it has a white forewing ground colour.
*The third 37.039 C.hemerobiella is easily distinguished from them as it has a white forewing ground colour.
The key differences are antennal:
Basal ¼ of flagellum thickened > 37.108 Coleophora salicorniae (♀)
Basal ⅙ of flagellum thickened > 37.107 Coleophora clypeiferella (♂& ♀)
Basal 2 segments of flagellum thickened > 37.108 Coleophora salicorniae (♂)
Basal ¼ of flagellum thickened > 37.108 Coleophora salicorniae (♀)
Basal ⅙ of flagellum thickened > 37.107 Coleophora clypeiferella (♂& ♀)
Basal 2 segments of flagellum thickened > 37.108 Coleophora salicorniae (♂)
The following additional features in combination with the antennal features will identify most specimens:
C.clypeiferella is usually buff with a variable scattering of light ferruginous scales
C.salicorniae has a colour range from buff to fuscous with a variable scattering of fuscous scales which may be arranged in short streaks and it may show some irroration with white-tipped scales in the apical half.
The stigmata are inconstant in both species; when present they may be sufficiently diffuse as to go unrecognised; and they may be obscured in fuscous specimens of C.salicorniae.
Doubtful specimens can be determined by examination of the first abdominal tergite and genitalia.
C.clypeiferella is usually buff with a variable scattering of light ferruginous scales
C.salicorniae has a colour range from buff to fuscous with a variable scattering of fuscous scales which may be arranged in short streaks and it may show some irroration with white-tipped scales in the apical half.
The stigmata are inconstant in both species; when present they may be sufficiently diffuse as to go unrecognised; and they may be obscured in fuscous specimens of C.salicorniae.
Doubtful specimens can be determined by examination of the first abdominal tergite and genitalia.
First abdominal tergite
C.clypeiferella has a diagnostic appearance of the first abdominal tergite - it is strongly sclerotised as a shield with two rows of stout peg-like spines.
C.clypeiferella has a diagnostic appearance of the first abdominal tergite - it is strongly sclerotised as a shield with two rows of stout peg-like spines.
Male genitalia
In C.salicorniae the posterior margin of the valva from its junction with the tegumen to the apex of the valvula (a) is much longer than the anterior margin of the sacculus (b). In C.clypeiferella the valvula and sacculus are both broader and these two lengths are about the same.
In C.salicorniae the posterior margin of the valva from its junction with the tegumen to the apex of the valvula (a) is much longer than the anterior margin of the sacculus (b). In C.clypeiferella the valvula and sacculus are both broader and these two lengths are about the same.
Female genitalia
In C.clypeiferella the posterior margin of the ostial plate is a flattish dome with a "U"-shaped notch at the ostium; and the spiculate section of the ductus bursae is distinctly broader than the introitus at its junction with the spiculate section.
In C.salicorniae the posterior margin of the ostial plate is pointed with a "V"-shaped notch at the ostium; and the spiculate section of the ductus bursae is about the same width as the introitus at its junction with the spiculate section. |