Hantsmoths

Endangered (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) in the fens of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, and of uncertain status in damp woodland in Dorset. Occasionally found in the past in the New Forest, Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, but not since the mid 1970s. Wingspan 7-8 mm. Resembles Parectopa ononidis but lacks two basal silver spots on the dorsum and has a conspicuous white apical spot, clearly visible on the underside (MBGBI Vol 2). Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage. Larva mines leaves of Common Comfrey and Lungwort, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire