The wingspan is 10–14 mm.[2]Coleophora species have narrow blunt to pointed forewings and a weakly defined tornus. The hindwings are narrow-elongate and very long-fringed. The upper surfaces have neither a discal spot nor transverse lines. Each abdomen segment of the abdomen has paired patches of tiny spines which show through the scales. The resting position is horizontal with the front end raised and the cilia give the hind tip a frayed and upturned look if the wings are rolled around the body. C. orbitella characteristics include:- Head shining fuscous. Antennae white, ringed with dark fuscous except on apical 1/3, basal joint fuscous. Forewings shining brown-grey. Hindwings dark grey.[3][4]
Adults are on wing in one generation per year from late May to early July.[5]
^Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description