Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) on sandy coasts in England, from Cornwall to Lincolnshire, but not from Essex; Lancashire; South Wales (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). In Hampshire known only from Southsea and Hayling Island. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 7.5-11 mm. C. alsinella and C. viscariella can hardly be distinguished by their genitalia, which suggests that they may be conspecific, however, they differ in choice of foodplant, and C. alsinella is nearly always smaller and has far more white coloration on the forewing; C. junctella is similar in pattern (though not in genitalia), but has the first discal spot always included in the bar from costa to fold and the second discal spot not or only slightly L-shaped; also similar to C. proxima, which see for differences (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Larva mines leaves of Little Mouse-ear and Common Mouse-ear, subsequently feeding on the flowers and seeds.

VC11 South Hampshire