Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) wherever the foodplant is found, around farm buildings, on old walls and in urban areas from Hampshire to the Isles of Scilly. First recorded in Britain at Walditch, Dorset on 13 October 2001, thereafter rapidly colonising southern England. Previously known from the Channel Islands and southern Europe, from where the British population is presumed to have originated, most likely arriving in this country as immigrants. In Hampshire recorded for the first time in 2007 at Portchester Castle, and on the Isle of Wight from several sites from 2006 onwards; it has been expanding in range since and was reported new for North Hampshire in 2022. Wingspan 6.5-9 mm. Larva mines leaves of Pellitory-of-the-wall, preferring plants growing in the shade.