Hantsmoths

Very rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in Guernsey at Icart Point on 3 October 2006, since when it has become quite regular there. Recorded for the first time on mainland Britain at Durlston CP, Dorset, on 12 October 2008, with four at the same site between 29 September 2009 and 10 October 2009, suggesting that the species may be breeding locally. In Hampshire recorded for the first time at Sandy Point, Hayling, on 28 September 2010, the sixth British record, with two more records subsequently; on the Isle of Wight, it was first seen in 2012, and then underwent a remarkable transformation of status: after five in 2013, there have been multiple annual records, and it is almost certainly locally resident in the Bonchurch / Ventnor area. It may be locally established in Hayling Island / Portchester on the mainland: 2023 saw the first VC12 record with one way out of range in the Winchester area, which may have been a primary immigrant or dispersal from the coast. Wingspan 36-40 mm. Much darker and larger than Brindled Green D. eremita and appears very much later than Dark Brocade Blepharita adusta, from which distinguished by its generally smaller size, lack of white scaling in the reniform stigma, less angled forewing termen, and well-defined, curved postmedian line on the hindwing. Larva feeds on Evergreen Oak.