Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, parks, marshes and freshwater margins throughout the British Isles. Widely distributed across much of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-17 mm. Differs from other Epinotia species of comparable size by its characteristic grey or cinereous coloration which, though often reduced, is present throughout its range of variation. Larva feeds within catkins of Salix and Populus sp. The distribution of f. cinereana, now considered to be a separate species (Epinotia cinereana), appears to be dependent on the presence of Aspen.