Hantsmoths

Local in oak woodland throughout much of Britain, rare in Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight reasonably well distributed in suitable habitat throughout; perhaps benefitting from a reduction in the amount of collecting of this highly variable and attractive species. Wingspan 18-22 mm. Although an extremely variable species, readily distinguished by the light green or olive-green ground colour and black markings of the forewing, and the presence of characteristic fulvous or ferruginous markings in some of the forms [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Oak, living between leaves spun together with silk.