Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, gardens and woodland throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire widespread but nowhere common, although the larva feeds on hawthorn, most records are at light. There have been no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 15-18 mm. This is one of three closely related and difficult to separate species (see E. rosaecolana and E. roborana). Differs from E. rosaecolana by its generally smaller size and comparatively narrow forewing which is somewhat darker in general coloration and has thicker, less oblique costal strigulae [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Hawthorn, living between leaves and shoots spun together with silk, over-wintering as an egg.