Hantsmoths

Endangered (proposed as a future Red Data Book species). Confined to calcareous coastal hillsides on the north coast of Scotland, where the only known localities are the Invernaver National Nature Reserve and a spot on the east side of Loch Eriboll, both in west Sutherland (MBGBI Vol 2). Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 8-10 mm. Differs from P. scoticella in its much darker antenna, in having an even greater admixture of white in the pattern of the forewing and in having only the apical dot darker than the ground colour. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage. Larva mines leaves of Mountain Avens, subsequently living within a leaf-fold.