Hantsmoths

Rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern England. Eighteen were recorded in the 20th Century, including nine at Portland and three on St. Agnes on 10 August 1997. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight there have been four records of this very rare immigrant (to 2023), two in August 1986, followed by further singletons in 2011 and 2012. Wingspan 40-48 mm. Abdomen with conspicuous lateral tufts, in male white, in female dark; Turnip Moth A. segetum is usually smaller, has the reniform stigma less square and the abdominal tufts small and inconspicuous; Crescent Dart A. trux has the orbicular stigma conspicuously white (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on roots and lower stems of various grasses.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire