Hantsmoths

Local in woodland with larch throughout England, Wales and southern Ireland. An uncommon and local species in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and specimens away from extensive larch plantations need critical examination to separate from melanic ocellana. Wingspan 12-16 mm. Formerly regarded as a dark form of Bud Moth S. ocellana, from which distinguished by the comparatively narrow forewings and the nearly pure white ground colour coarsely strigulate with blackish grey [Bradley]. Larva feeds within bark of European Larch, living between needles spun together with silk, and over-wintering in a silken chamber.