Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, gardens, parks and fens throughout much of Britain, a recent colonist, reported for the first time only in 1970. By the time of MBGBI 2 (1986), the population was centred in Scotland and eastern England, and it has evidently continued to spread westwards since that time. First recorded in south Hampshire in 1990 and 1991, and has now been found throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 11-12 mm. Similar to C. elongella and C. betulicola, which are larger (14-16 mm) and lack the pale band on the foretibia and the white admixture on the midfemur. Overwinters as an adult, often in an evergreen such as Yew. Larva mines leaves of Sycamore and occasionally other species of Acer, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, sometimes the most frequent Caloptilia species in gardens.