tipped oak case-bearer

The wingspan is 11–13 mm (0.43–0.51 in). C. flavipennella varies in colour from ochreous to ochreous-brown to ochreous-greyish. There is often an indistinct lighter costal area, a shade lighter than ground colour. The antennae are white, or alternately ringed black or brown and white to the tip. Note that many species in the Coleophora genus look very similar. Identification is by microscopic examination of the genitalia.

The larvae feed on sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), sessile oak (Quercus petraea), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra). The caterpillar has a characteristic way of feeding, creating small holes in the leaves of the host plant.