Hantsmoths

Local with a preference for dry pastures, downland and fens throughout England and Wales. The earliest Cnephasia to emerge and the only one on the wing during most of May, about the size of Grey Tortrix C. stephensiana and usually with a paler ground colour and paler brownish fascia, but like all Cnephasia, identification can only be confirmed by dissection of genitalia. Like its congeners, undoubtedly under-recorded. Reported from Totland, Isle of Wight in 2021 (and again in 2022), the first report from the island since the mid-20th century. Wingspan 18-22 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, living within a spun or rolled leaf.