Hantsmoths

Local in gardens, woodland edges and other open areas in parts of south-eastern England and Wales. In Hampshire there has been an increase in the number of records received in the first decade of the century, and the species has been found to favour certain gardens in Waterlooville, Basingstoke and Southsea, amongst others. Recorded on the Isle of Wight for the first time at Totland in 2009. Wingspan 15-18 mm. The whitish slate-grey general coloration and usually obsolescent markings are characteristic of this species. Can be determined with certainty only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on various Ranunculaceae and Compositae, living between flowers spun together with silk.