Hantsmoths

Recorded throughout the British Isles, but more numerous in the south of England. Records are not common but widespread in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, although it may be that historic records are not reliable and are overdue a review. Wingspan 4.5-6 mm. The larva is usually found on dewberry (Rubus caesius), less often other Rubus spp., but also herbaceous Rosaceae, including Agrimony and Geum, and its mines can be very similar to that of S. aurella. The present species creates a long meandering gallery with a neat central frass line, whereas S. aurella mines (in the same foodplants) are usually filled with dispersed frass: however it can produce mines that are very similar to S. splendidissimella. Certain identification therefore requires all leaf mine records of either species where the frass line is central and not dispersed to be of tenanted mines and the larva reared through to adult. The adult moths are separable by splendidissimella having a black head compared to the orange of aurella.
More info at leafmines.co.uk.