Hantsmoths

Common on rough ground and dry pastures throughout much of England and Wales, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight this species probably occurs wherever Teasel is established - even a few plants seems to suffice. Wingspan 15-19 mm. Generally larger than other species of Endothenia, it has the forewing ground colour more extensively tinged with ochreous distally and a usually distinct pale grey or pale violaceous grey patch from the tornus reaching half way across the wing to near the middle [Bradley]. Larva feeds within seedheads of Wild Teasel: opening old heads in winter seldom fails to produce evidence of the larva in the central pith; the larva itself may either be found in the head or inside the stalk.