Hantsmoths

Endangered (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) on dry grassland in the west of Ireland and the Inner Hebrides, formerly known from Co. Durham and the adjacent part of Yorkshire, where it was reported to be abundant (MBGBI Vol 2). Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 6.5-8.5 mm. In P. insignitella the white of the third dorsal strigula extends through the fringe line into the cilia; in P. nigrescentella the equivalent strigula is not always present and the fringe line is always entire in this position (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva mines leaves of Red Clover, White Clover and Common Restharrow, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.