Hantsmoths

Common, appearing in profusion in hot summers, in hedgerows, orchards and gardens throughout much of England, Wales and southern Scotland; otherwise, rather scarce. In Hampshire irregularly distributed in the south-east and north-west; on the Isle of Wight mainly restricted to the north coast. Wingspan 7-8 mm. Most records are of the larval mines, but occasionally recorded at light, the main confusion species being L. lotella, but forewing of L. malifoliella broader, with no purple-black apical spot, and third cilial bar directed more or less outwards (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva mines leaves of Hawthorn, Apple and Pear, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some years, and over-wintering as a pupa.