Hantsmoths

Common in birch woodland and on heathland throughout much of Britain. Frequent in Hampshire, but only one old record from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 9-12 mm. A distinctive species, at once recognised by its small size and characteristic grey and ochreous general coloration, and the broad median fascia of the forewing with its outer margin outward-oblique from the costa and the inner margin diffuse and often confluent with the ill-defined basal fasciae [Bradley]. Larva feeds within catkins of Downy Birch and Silver Birch, over-wintering in a cocoon.