Hantsmoths

Common throughout the British Isles, less numerous in the north. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan male 11-15 mm, female wingless. The distinctive case of the larva is often easily found attached to leaves and tree trunks, while the winged male is very infrequently observed, but will occasionally come to light; male dull brown, female wingless and grub-like, generally smaller than the much scarcer P. crassiorella. Larva feeds on various grasses, dead leaves, various lichens and decaying vegetable matter, living within a movable case; case length 8-12 mm.