Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows and woodland throughout much of the British Isles. Abundant in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 6-8 mm. This species, P. sorbi and P. mespilella cannot be separated on the basis of wing characteristics alone, however, P. sorbi, is generally larger and most specimens of P. mespilella lack the white patch on the dorsum beneath the basal streak (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 Hawthorn, Pear and Quince, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.