Hantsmoths

Common in rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides throughout much of the British Isles, except northern Scotland and northern Ireland. Fairly well distributed in Hampshire, but very rarely recorded on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-18 mm. The ochreous coloration of the forewing veins, and the whitish hindwing (in female only) distinguish from fresh examples of the rare and endangered H. lutatella, however, a worn, pale, female H. lutatella could be overlooked as H. rufescens (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Larva feeds within leaves of various grasses, including False Oat-grass, Cock's-foot, False-brome, Tor-grass, Tall Fescue and Meadow-grass.