Hantsmoths

Common in a wide range of habitats throughout much of Britain, but appears to be absent from the whole of southern Scotland (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). In Hampshire common and widespread, rather less common on the Isle of Wight, with only one recent record, at Cranmore in 2006. Wingspan 14-19 mm. Very variable with range of coloration and basic pattern the same as A. blattariella from which it can be reliably separated only by dissection of the genitalia, although the less strongly angled fascia (when visible) allows tentative identification (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Larva feeds on Poplar, Aspen and Willow, living within a spun or rolled leaf.