Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, woodland, orchards and gardens throughout most of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight increasingly recorded in recent years, although it is unclear whether this is due to increased observer coverage or a real growth in population. Wingspan 10-13 mm. Apart from S. passerella, which occurs only in the Scottish Highlands and which is separable only by dissection of the genitalia, S. pyrella is distinguished from all other Swammerdamia and Pseudoswammerdamia species by the coppery terminal cilia, small size and dark appearance (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva feeds on Hawthorn, Apple and Pear, beneath a silken web, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.