Hantsmoths

A rare species of woodland and chalk downland and cliffs in parts of southern England. In Hampshire there has been no record of this moth in the county since three moths were bred from larvae on the foodplant found at Ampfield in 1970. This record may require checking, as this species is very similar in appearance to the equally rare Eucosma aspidiscana, which feeds on the same foodplant. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 11-16 mm. Differs from other Eucosma species by its smaller size and the diffuse and obscure forewing markings. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Goldenrod, according to Goater requiring extensive patches growing in open woodland.

VC11 South Hampshire