Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in woodland, hillsides and moorland throughout much of northern England and Scotland. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Very similar to P. betulae, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Birch, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.