Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) in hedgerows and scrubland in Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Kent, but first recorded in the UK from the Burren, Co. Clare in 1961, where still reasonably common. First recorded in Hampshire at Botley Wood in 1976, this also being the first record in Britain, also known from Sparsholt. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 12-14 mm. The most likely confusion species are Carpatolechia notatella, but T. wagae has a lighter ground colour and the markings are distinct black dots, whereas in C. notatella they are streak-like and diffuse; and Pseudotelphusa paripunctella, which has only two black dots at two-fifths, whereas T. wagae has four black dots in that area. Larva feeds on Hazel, Birch and Sweet Chestnut, living within a spun or rolled leaf, over-wintering as a pupa.

VC11 South Hampshire