Hantsmoths

Local in woodland, thickets, copses and gardens, from Cornwall northwards through Wales and the west Midlands to south Lancashire, and in south-east England, Norfolk and Co. Durham. In Hampshire and Isle of Wight until 1945 there was only one record, at New Milton, the specimen of which was checked by Barry Goater. However 2022 saw the first for North Hampshire, at Woolmer, with a further five individuals in 2023 in the north of the county. Increased reports in Berkshire and Surrey indicate that this is a species that appears to be undertaking a welcome range expansion. Wingspan 40-48 mm. Compared with Sallow Kitten F. furcula and Poplar Kitten F. bifida, the central band is almost black (not grey), and distinctly pinched at its mid-point. Larva feeds on Alder, Silver Birch and Downy Birch, over-wintering as a pupa.

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire