Hantsmoths

Common in coppiced woodland and rough grassland, and on roadside verges, throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire locally common, except in the south-west of the county; on the Isle of Wight, it is distinctly uncommon. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Metallic grey forewing with orange or yellow markings and white tips to antennae make this one of the easiest Gracillariidae to identify (MBGBI Vol 2). Imago fairly regular at light, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of St John's-wort, subsequently living within a leaf-cone, and over-wintering as a pupa.