Hantsmoths

Common in a wide range of habitats throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and rather common in localities where the foodplant occurs, mainly on the chalk and along the coast. Wingspan 13-21 mm. Large specimens with the markings well developed may resemble small C. alternana but may be recognised by the comparatively unmarked basal and terminal areas of the forewing and the absence of scale-tufts in the median fascia [Bradley]. Larva feeds within stems of Common Knapweed, living within the developing seeds.