Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, heathland and gardens throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire widespread and common, but there are only a few recent reports from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-16 mm. The sinuate notch below the apex of the forewing in both sexes and the patches of specialised scales on the hindwing in the male are diagnostic characters of this species [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Holly, Apple, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Buckthorn, Rowan and similar, living between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as an egg.