Hantsmoths

Common in oak woodland and areas with scattered oak trees throughout England, Wales and Scotland, except in the far north; commonest in southern England but rare in Ireland. Although not recorded in Hampshire until 1976, it is now widespread; first recorded on the Isle of Wight in 2005. Wingspan 6.5-7.5 mm. Similar to P. tenerella, which lacks the distinctly dark-bordered basal streak, although it occasionally has an ochreous base to the wing with a white central streak extending through this coloration (MBGBI Vol 2). Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of deciduous oak Quercus, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.