Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) in Britain, north to Argyll, once common, but has apparently declined rapidly in recent years, although certainly overlooked: Robinson (1979, General and Applied Entomology, Vol. 19, 1987, 45-48) showed that about half of the 'Tinea pellionella' in British collections were in fact the present species, emphasising the need for dissection of adult specimens for correct identification. In Hampshire first reliably recorded in 1966 by Denzil Ffennell (gen det David Agassiz). Emphasising the true distribution of this species is likely to be wider than demonstrated by known records, Brian Elliott reported in May 2005 he had "just dissected a number of Tineas I bred from owl pellets collected from Stanswood, S. Hants. Several have proved to be dubiella", and a series of "Tinea" dissected by Richard Moore in Waterlooville in 2005/6 resulted in three new records. To date the only Isle of Wight record is from Freshwater, 2017 (gen det Brian Elliott). Recorders in rural areas are urged to retain and critically examine likely candidates. Wingspan 9-15 mm. Flies in late afternoon, probably in two generations and frequents interior of houses, bird nests, barns, warehouses and granaries. Larva feeds on woollen materials, fur, feathers, hair, owl pellets, detritus in bird nests and stored goods, living within a silken case.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire