Hantsmoths

Common in scrub, woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout much of southern England and Wales, with records north to Yorkshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, probably found wherever there is Blackthorn. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Vey similar to Deltaornix torquillella, which usually lacks the dark band on segment 3 of the labial palpus and which has the costal white strigula on the forewing continued round the apical dot and through the terminal cilia at an obtuse angle; often only safely separated by dissection of the genitalia. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Blackthorn, subsequently feeding in the fallen leaves, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.