Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on moorland and heathland throughout much of northern England, Scotland and Ireland. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-16 mm. The dark coloration of the fore- and hindwings, and the strongly pectinate antennae, are characteristic of the male; in the female the forewing is attenuated and the markings contrast with the greyish white ground colour [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Mint, Bog-myrtle, Cinquefoil, Common Valerian and Globeflower, living between flowers and leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering as a pupa.