Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, parks and gardens throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and locally common, but doubtless under-recorded. Wingspan 5-6.5 mm. Imago has plain bronze forewing, tinged green on the inner two-thirds and red towards the tip (MBGBI Vol 1), but can be separated from similar Stigmella species only by dissection of the genitalia. Most frequently recorded as a larval miner of the leaves of Cultivated Rose and Wild Rose, over-wintering as a pupa. However, the mine very similar to that of S. centifoliella and records of vacated mines, although reported here, should be treated with caution.