Hantsmoths

Local on heaths, fens and woodland in southern Britain, as far north as Sutherland. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight very local in damp areas where Salix is plentiful, most notably in and around Pamber Forest. Wingspan 14-16 mm. Adult males have a hairy black head and long white antennae, which are quite visible with binoculars, as they fly often in small groups with their characteristic dancing flight over the tops of male Salix bushes. Females have shorter dark antennae with a yellowish/orange head and come lower down to lay on the catkins. Larva feeds on fallen leaves under Sallow, living within a movable case, over-wintering twice.