Hantsmoths

Recorded infrequently through accidental importation in asparagus from North America. One was found alive at Covent Garden Market, London, on 20 December 1978 in a box of Asparagus imported from Florida. An abundant species in North America. Wingspan 30-39 mm. Very similar to Silver Y Autographa gamma, but the gamma is split in two parts. It is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on crops such as Sweet Potato, Tomato, Tobacco and Cotton, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, no evidence of breeding in the UK.