Hantsmoths

Common around old buildings and in urban areas throughout southern Britain, very local elsewhere. In Hampshire widely distributed, but not particularly common. Recorded on the Isle of Wight for the first time at Freshwater in 2010. Wingspan 9-12 mm. Main confusion species is B. similis, but B. affinis usually has small pale yellow patch adjacent to streak in centre of forewing. Larva feeds on various mosses, especially those growing on old walls, living within a silken gallery.