Hantsmoths

Following an expansion in range and numbers in recent decades, now common in grassland, heathland, woodland rides and gardens throughout southern England and Wales, north to southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 27-34 mm. The main confusion species are Uncertain H. alsines and Rustic H. blanda, but less variable and often slightly smaller than these species, generally rather pale grey-brown, with relatively large orbicular and reniform stigmata, usually slightly darker than the ground colour, and usually distinctly white-edged. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Dandelion, Greater Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, Primrose and Prickly Lettuce.