Hantsmoths

Local in parks and urban areas, discovered new to Britain in London in 1990, since when it has spread through the southern counties of the UK and has reached the West Country and Midlands. Found in Hampshire for the first time in 1998 in Southampton and on the Isle of Wight in 2004, becoming more frequent and widespread. Wingspan 9-10.5 mm. 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 London Plane in late autumn and are large and obvious, one leaf often hosting several, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.