Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on coastal saltmarshes in parts of southern and eastern England. In Hampshire mostly confined to the coast, but there are a few records inland in the New Forest, at Hinchelsea Moor, Homlsley, Brockenhurst and Blashford Lakes. Four individuals trapped in 2013 marked the first Isle of Wight records since 1856. Wingspan 20-26 mm. Glossier-winged than P. contaminella, which lacks the fuscous streaking; P. aridella lacks the bar-shaped discal mark characteristic of Agriphila inquinatella, in which the hindwing is devoid of marking [Goater]. Larva feeds on stems of Common Saltmarsh-grass, living within a silken tube or tent.