Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in heaths and alder carr throughout Britain, except the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland; western and south-western Ireland (MBGBI Vol 3). In Hampshire first recorded in 1975, from Martyr Worthy, and subsequently from Newtown Common both in northern Hampshire; since when recorded in the south-east of the county, at Botley Wood, Wickham Common and Havant Thicket. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 10.5-14 mm. Like many of the Coleophora, imagines are virtually impossible to identify without recourse to dissection, and the larvae, which live in cases of characteristic form and which can sometimes be found on the foodplant, may be easier to identify by comparison against a reference collection. Larva mines leaves of Birch and Alder, living within a movable case. In Hampshire cases have been found mainly on birch.

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire