Hantsmoths

Extinct in the British Isles, formerly in calcareous grassland in parts of south-eastern England. Last recorded from west Kent, where a colony near Wrotham on the North Downs survived until June 1975. The decline to extinction in Britain is probably the result of changes in grassland management within its former localities, many of which have lost their essential plant diversity (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-20 mm. Larva feeds on Common Milkwort and Chalk Milkwort, living between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as an egg.