Hantsmoths

Local in hedgerows and scrub, especially in blackthorn-thickets, across most of Britain, except in extreme south-west England and northern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded in most years, but with no discernible increase in numbers, despite the increase in observer coverage, so the decline is probably more serious than the records suggest. Wingspan 18-23 mm; S. avellanella is similar, but the wing markings are different and S. steinkellneriana lacks the obvious basal streak of S. avellanella. Males fly on sunny mornings. Larva feeds on Blackthorn, Rowan and Hawthorn, living within a spun or rolled leaf, and over-wintering as a pupa.