Hantsmoths

Local in reed-beds, on the south and east coasts of England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight resident in most large reed-beds, and along the river valleys, with occasional wanderers turning up at light some distance from their breeding grounds. Wingspan 29-36 mm. Often found with the superficially similar Chilo phragmitella, which differs, for example, in having very long palps. Larva feeds on invertebrates, both living and dead, inside stems of Common Reed.