Hantsmoths

Common in dry pastures, sand-dunes and waste ground throughout the British Isles, most numerous in coastal districts. Fairly well distributed in Hampshire, particularly on chalk downland and near the coast, but very rarely recorded on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 13-18 mm. A distinctive species, characterised by the white ground colour of the forewing and the contrasting, fragmented, ferruginous-ochreous and black markings [Bradley]. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Common Ragwort, over-wintering in a cocoon.