Hantsmoths

Common in freshwater margins, ditches, woodland clearings, waste ground and gardens across much of England and Wales, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire relatively common in the north-east and south-east, but apparently absent from much of the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 7-11.5 mm. The main confusion species is M. sturnipennella, from which it can be distinguished by its smaller size and by the broader forewing which lacks the median ferruginous streaks and the white costal streaks in the apical area (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). Larva feeds within seedpods of Broad-leaved Willowherb, Marsh Willowherb and Hoary Willowherb.