Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, rough ground and woodland edges throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded in most years, but not in numbers since the mid 1970s, when numerous in Botley Wood. Wingspan 9-13 mm. Often found resting on flowers of Hogweed on sunny afternoons. The unique forewing pattern readily distinguishes this species [Bradley]. Larva feeds on seeds of Hogweed, living between seeds spun together with silk, and over-wintering in a cocoon.