Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, gardens, orchards, parks and on freshwater margins throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire widespread but rather local in all but the east central area, where apparently absent. On the Isle of Wight, there are recent records only from Shanklin and Totland. Wingspan 12-15 mm. Distinguished from other Gypsonoma species by the clear white frons and vertex of the head; the strongly contrasting, plumbeous strigulate with black forewing markings and the white ground colour are also characteristic [Bradley]. Larva feeds within catkins of Black Poplar, Aspen and Sallow, subsequently burrowing into and feeding on leaf buds.