Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in woodland and fens throughout much of southern England and southern Wales; rare in northern England. In Hampshire principally restricted to heathland in the New Forest and in the north-east of the county, and sites such as Emer Bog, Botley Wood, Wickham Common Havant Thicket and Pamber Forest. Recorded once on the Isle of Wight, at Cranmore SSSI in June 2003. Wingspan 13-17 mm. Characterised by the acutely angled median fascia of the forewing, which is very slender costally and forms a dark triangular patch medially [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn, living between leaves spun together with silk, over-wintering in a cocoon.