Hantsmoths

Recorded infrequently through accidental importation in tomatoes from southern Europe. Originally a resident of South America, but from 2006 increasingly common in Spain in greenhouses that grow tomatoes. In March 2009 found in Britain in imported Spanish tomatoes, with records from a number of packing sites and greenhouses subsequently. Recorded for the first time in Hampshire in 2014, and Wight in 2018, with sporadic records subsequently: the number of records from the island probably do not reflect the true nature of its status, as anecdotedly it is known that specimens have been recorded at commercial tomato growers on the Island since 2009. Wingspan 8-10 mm. Larva feeds on Tomato, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire