Hantsmoths

Local in urban areas, old buildings and rocky areas throughout the British Isles, except for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. In Hampshire frequent only in the south-east, and very much less common elsewhere in the county and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-13 mm. The brown colour and the dark line running over the vertex of the head distinguish B. senectella from similar looking species, but very dark forms resemble B. similis; in case of doubt, they can be separated by the pale yellow labial palpus and frons of B. senectella (creamy white in B. similis). Larva feeds on various mosses, living within a silken tube or tent.