Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in heathland, marshes, river-banks and damp woodland in southern and central England, northwards to Yorkshire, and north and south Wales. In Hampshire mostly restricted to the extreme north and east of vice-county 12 (north Hampshire), while in vice-county 11 (south Hampshire) the species is recorded from Emer Bog and Chandler's Ford. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 26-31 mm. Day-flying. The early stages may be sought during the winter months, but synthetic pheromone lures are used to attract males nowadays, and this has led to a marked increase in records of the species in recent years. Larva feeds within wood of Alder, Silver Birch and Downy Birch, over-wintering two or three times.