Hantsmoths

Common throughout much of northern Britain and Ireland and in the west from the Midlands down to Gloucestershire. Its preferred haunts are sheltered meadows by streams and woodland clearings in the hills; but it has wandering habits and may be found in gardens and light-traps far from its usual terrain (MBGBI Vol 10). Also recorded further south from Devon to Berkshire, where generally considered to be migrants from an expanding European population. In Hampshire there are two records, from Bournemouth on 19 July 1933, and Minstead on 26 July 1973. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 44-46 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Stinging Nettle, White Dead-nettle, Ground-ivy, Bilberry and Honeysuckle.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire