Hantsmoths

Local in heathland and open woodland throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire known only from Botley Wood, Fareham and Sinah Common Hayling Island, where rare and infrequent. Recorded for the first time on the Isle of Wight at Freshwater in 2009. Wingspan 18-21 mm. The main confusion species is A. atomella, in which the ground colour of the forewing is buff, variably suffused pinkish, and the two white discal dots are lacking or indistinct and never pure white (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1), but because of its scarcity, identity should be confirmed by dissection of the genitalia. Similar also to A. heracliana and A. subpropinquella, which see for differences. Larva feeds on Broom, living between shoots spun together with silk.