Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows and woodland throughout much of the British Isles, favouring low-lying areas. In Hampshire still fairly common, especially in the south-east, with scattered records in the north, but largely absent from the New Forest and on the Isle of Wight, where there are only two recent records. Wingspan 12-16 mm. Well-marked specimens are characterised by the well-defined basal patch, which is angular medially and broadly edged throughout with the light ground colour, and the median fascia being more or less edged throughout distally with plumbeous strigulation; in dark or almost unicolorous specimens this plumbeous strigulation is still evident [Bradley]. Larva feeds on buds of Elm, revealing a highly distinctive arc of holes, subsequently living within a spun leaf.