Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) and the Ephestia most frequently caught in the wild away from the south, where E. unicolorella predominates. Occasionally recorded at light traps in the south, but undoubtedly overlooked. Thoroughly naturalised, through accidental introduction in dried goods, in barns, warehouses and granaries throughout much of the British Isles, where it may still be a pest in warehouses. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight scattered records throughout, mostly at light. Wingspan 14-20 mm. One of six very similar species of Ephestia found in the UK, which are generally separable only by dissection of the genitalia, most wild-caught individuals being E. unicolorella, with the other five species favouring warehouses. Larva feeds on Cocoa, Tobacco, hay, decaying vegetable matter, dried fruit, nuts, cereals and grain, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire