Hantsmoths

Local in hedgerows and open woodland throughout much of England, in recent years seldom found north of the Midlands. In Hampshire recorded in numbers only in Botley Wood and Pamber Forest, otherwise an uncommon and obscure species. First recorded from the Isle of Wight in 2012. Wingspan 10-14 mm. Day-flying. The satiny black-brown general coloration of the forewing, contrasting with the cream-white ground colour between the costal strigulae, and the bluish metallic striae are characteristic, however confusion with Strophedra weirana is possible [Bradley]. Larva feeds on shoots of Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Oak.