Hantsmoths

Very rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in south-eastern England. Until 1980 there had been just two records, but recorded nine times in Britain between 1981 and 2005, and with an unprecedented 12 further records in 2006: to date (2022) there have been 43 records (source: Atropos). In our area first recorded at Totland, Isle of Wight on 12 September 2006, with another on the island in 2018; the first for the mainland was in the same year, on 4 September in Wickham Common. A second was recorded in Bournemouth, Dorset (VC11) in August 2019, and another two have been recorded since, in 2020 and 2022.
Wingspan 44-48 mm. The most likely confusion species is Geometrician Prodotis stolida has forewing antemedian fascia without central compression and the postmedian fascia doubly curved; hindwing with a clear white spot above termen (MBGBI Vol 10). Observers are reminded that the very similar D. torrida (see Lepiforum) is a potential migrant although not reported from the British Isles to date. On the continent the larva feeds on Bramble and Sallow.

Update: National and local status update August 2020

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire