Hantsmoths

Local in a wide range of habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire almost exclusively confined to the south-east corner, especially Botley Wood, but also Havant Thicket, Swanwick, Titchfield Haven, Wickham Common and a few other sites. Elsewhere, there are a few records from the north-east of the county, and on the Isle of Wight the species was last recorded at Priory Bay in 1979. Wingspan 12-15 mm. The very oblique median fascia and the subterminal fascia, with which it is confluent, enclose a triangular patch of ground colour on the costa, forming a distinctive forewing pattern characteristic of this species [Bradley]. Larva feeds on terminal shoots of Creeping Willow, Eared Willow and Sallow, living between leaves spun together with silk.