Hantsmoths

An migrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern England. Recorded for the first time in Cornwall on 26 August 1978, subsequently appearing on a number of occasions from Norfolk to Scilly: 2008 saw a peak arrival of 53 records; most frequently recorded from the southern coastal counties of England during the late summer and autumn periods. On the Isle of Wight, was recorded for the first time in August 2006 at Ventnor, with two there in 2007 and two in 2008, plus one at Totland in 2008. The first record for the mainland was rather unusually far inland, on the Leckford Estate on 20 August 2012 (an event repeated in 2023 when one turned up in Cheriton); surprisingly, South Hampshire has (to 2023) had no records. Wingspan 26-30 mm. A nondescript, easily overlooked species. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Ribwort Plantain and Greater Plantain, no evidence of breeding in the UK.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC12 North Hampshire