Hantsmoths

Local in a wide range of habitats throughout much of southern England, with records north to Yorkshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight it seems to prefer xerothermic conditions such as dry, close-cropped chalk downland and coastal shingle, and largely absent from the New Forest and northern half of the county. Wingspan 12-17 mm. The bold chequered pattern formed by the markings and contrasting ground colour of the forewing are characteristic [Bradley]. Larva feeds within roots of Ploughman's-spikenard, Bristly Oxtongue and Hawkweed Oxtongue.