Hantsmoths

Common in woodland and hedgerows throughout much of south-eastern England and in Worcestershire, but expanding northwards and has recently been found as far north as Yorkshire (MBGBI Vol 2, UKMoths). First discovered in Winchester (vice-county 11) in 1977, spreading to vice-county 12 at Leckford seven years later and the Isle of Wight (vice-county 10) in 2000. Now fairly widespread across both counties, although rare in the New Forest. Wingspan 8 mm. Imago similar to P. acerifoliella and P. geniculella. Imago only occasionally encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva monophagous, mining leaves of Norway Maple and over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.