Hantsmoths

Local in sand-dunes and other dry open areas along much of the coastline of the British Isles, except northern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common close to the coast, with just one record in north Hampshire, at Old Basing in 2004. Wingspan 14-20 mm. This is the smallest species in the group, and in series against P. maritima is distinctly less robust, the forewing narrower and with straighter costa, but the antemedian spots do not really seem to provide distinctive separation characters, and the genitalia are the only means of certain identification [Goater]. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Corn Chamomile, Stinking Chamomile, Groundsel and Common Ragwort.