Hantsmoths

Local in grassland throughout most of the British Isles. In Hampshire locally common wherever there is bracken, rather uncommon on the Isle of Wight. The males sometimes swarm just before dusk over grassy places adjacent to stands of foodplant. Wingspan male 26-30 mm, female 28-32 mm. The golden markings on forewing of male are diagnostic; in particular, the diagonal, sometimes broken band near base runs roughly parallel to outer markings, unlike other swift moths (MBGBI Vol 1). Larva feeds within roots of Bracken, over-wintering twice.