Hantsmoths

Local in woodland, and on downland and scrubland throughout much of England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight reasonably common and well-distributed on the chalk. Wingspan 7.5-8.5 mm. Adults are day-flying, but the species is more frequently recorded in the larval stage, mining the leaves of Dogwood Cornus sanguinea. The mine starts as a short gallery along leaf edge, abruptly changing to a blotch, finally the larva cuts out an oval hole 5.5 to 7mm along the longer axis. Before the egg is laid the female makes several ‘practice’ slits, which helps to separate this from Antispila petryi.