Hantsmoths

A Red Data Book species, on shingle beaches, chalk sea cliffs and limestone cliffs in southern England, predominantly coastal, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It occurs locally along the south coast between Devon and Kent. In Dorset, the moth is common very locally on the chalk cliffs of the Purbeck coast and in Hampshire the population is very much confined to Browndown Ranges, near Gospost, where it has been present for many years: there appears to be no major threat to the site and the larval foodplant appears to be doing well. Occasional wanderers have been found elsewhere, with two on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 30-38 mm. Larva feeds on seeds and seed capsules of Nottingham Catchfly, over-wintering as a pupa.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire