Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, scrub and woodland edges throughout England and Wales. Reasonably common and widely distributed across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 4-5 mm. Adults of this species and S. incognitella are difficult to distinguish except by dissection of the genitalia; however, S. incognitella tends to be slightly larger, the forewing is darker and more obviously glossed with purple, the cilia are darker at the tips, and the hindwing is slightly darker, especially in the male. Larva mines leaves of Hawthorn, over-wintering as a pupa.