Hantsmoths

Local on field edges, chalk downland and flower meadows throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire recorded increasingly, mainly in the south-east of the county, and remaining rare away from the chalk; first reported from Wight in 2015. Wingspan 13-15 mm. Resembles a medium-sized E. gentianaeana but distinguished by the more broadly suffused apical area, which reduces or narrows the band of whitish ground colour beyond the median fascia, the more strongly dilated subterminal fascia, the pale patch from the tornus lacking a violaceous tinge, and by the paler hindwing [Bradley]. Despite what some publications say, the larva does not feed on Common Knapweed, but in the rootstock of Plantago lanceolata (Entomologist's Gazette (2010) Vol. 61).