Hantsmoths

Widespread and common in birch woodland, with most records being of the leaf mine. Wingspan 7-9mm. Forewing golden-brown, with four costal and three dorsal white strigulae, dark edged inwardly, with a white dark-edged basal streak to one-third. The first pair of strigulae meet to form a slightly curved fascia; dorsal strigulae 2 and 3 lie between the remaining three costal marks, the second pair nearly meeting to form a second fascia, as can the third pair. Sometimes has a pale dorsal patch between the base and the first fascia.

The larva mines the underside of Birch leaves; a small mine, 8-14mm long, causing the upperside to appear dried-up and brownish, the underside with several folds which coalesce to give the appearance of a larger central fold. The leaf is often contorted and curves downwards. Mines can be found in June/July and more plentifully during autumn.