Hantsmoths

Common in damp woodland throughout Britain, except southern Scotland; in Ireland recorded only from Cos Kerry and Wicklow. Probably under-recorded in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight (where it was first discovered in 1996): the extent of known records correlate with those areas in which the recording effort is concentrated. Wingspan 8 mm. Imago similar to P. stettinensis, P. tristrigella, P. froelichiella and, especially, P. nicellii, which see for differences. Imago seldom 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 mines leaves of Alder, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.