Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb), declining, in ancient broad-leaved woodland, woodland clearings and scrub. Since 1980 the main areas have been the Chiltern beechwoods of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, and acidic, thin-soiled areas around Guildford and Reading, the Brecklands of Norfolk and Suffolk, and the North Yorkshire Moors. In Hampshire, there are very few records, the most recent being one in the Loddon Valley at Old Basing in 2004. In the past, it was stated to be locally fairly common, e.g. Brockenhurst, Farley Mount and Michelmersh v.c.11, Harewood Forest and Micheldever v.c.12. There are no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 37-44mm. Distinguished from Triple-spotted Clay X. ditrapezium by its broader wing-shape, duller colour and the absence of a subapical spot on the forewing (MBGBI Vol 9). A good photograph or specimen is required for this species to be considered for acceptance. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, Dog's Mercury and Oxlip.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire