Hantsmoths

Common in woodland and freshwater margins throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire widespread and not uncommon, although there are few recent records from the New Forest, or from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-16 mm. The predominantly ferruginous general coloration of the forewing is characteristic of this species; well-marked forms are somewhat reminiscent of A. mitterbacheriana, but the latter is distinguished by the falcate apex of the forewing [Bradley]. Larva feeds within catkins of Hazel and Alder, subsequently burrowing into and feeding on leaf buds.