Hantsmoths

Endangered (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) in mountains in parts of the Scottish Highlands. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 20-26 mm. The distinctive silver-white coloration of the forewing and the absence of markings readily distinguish this species from other Tortricids. It may, however, be confused with the Pyralid Crambus perlella which it closely resembles superficially and which occurs in similar grassland habitats. E. argentana can be distinguished by the much shorter labial palpus, the length of which is equal to about twice the diameter of the eye compared with approximately four times in C. perlella [Bradley]. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, grasses and mosses, living within a silken tube or tent, over-wintering as a small larva.