Hantsmoths

Originally described as a new species by Gregson in 1869 from specimens collected on Small Scabious in Wales, it was synonomised by Barrett in 1882 with S. bipunctidactyla and so remained until the French entomologist Gibeaux raised it again to a good species in 1987. The larval stages are not reliably separable from S. annadactyla. Separation from the latter as an adult is detailed in Plant (2011). Gregson reported this species from Westmorland and Denbighshire where larvae were said to be plentiful. Reinstated to the British list on the basis of a specimen taken in Butterton, Staffordshire in 2008. It may occur elsewhere in Staffordshire and the wider Peak District.

Not expected to be found in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight area.