Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on heathland and moorland throughout much of northern England, Scotland and western Ireland. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 15-20 mm. Differs from O. arbutella by its larger size and the characteristic purplish brown coloration of the forewing, which in O. arbutella is purplish red, and by the generally more broadly fasciate markings; in O. mygindiana the head is dark grey but in O. arbutella it is purplish red or ferruginous; the male may be readily distinguished from both sexes of O. arbutella by its light grey hindwing [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Cowberry, Bearberry and Bog-myrtle, living between shoots spun together with silk.