Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in rough grassland, scrubby grassland, scrubby downland, open woodland and chalk and limestone districts in parts of southern England, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight once locally common, this species has virtually disappeared from the county, and we have received no record since 1990. The ecology is little understood and, alarmingly, recent attempts to find the species on Porton Down where it was once common, and where the habitat appears to be unchanged, have proved negative. Wingspan 47-52 mm. Fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on deciduous trees and shrubs and herbaceous plants.