Hantsmoths

Local on chalk downland throughout England, more numerous in the south. In Hampshire recorded from much of the chalk across the width of the county. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 4.6-5.5 mm. The combination of ferruginous-orange head, white collar and eyecaps, and white tornal spot, is distinctive, but the species is much more frequently recorded in the larval stage, although tenanted mines are difficult to find. Larva mines leaves of Buckthorn, over-wintering as a pupa.