Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in fens, marshes, river-banks, damp areas, gravel pits and ponds in southern England, northwards to Dumfriesshire, and southern Wales; rare in Ireland. In Hampshire found in small numbers in suitable habitat in both the north and south of the county, and probably under-recorded; the same is true of the Isle of Wight, where it was first found in 2015 but has been annual since. Wingspan 17-19 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 stems and wood of Osier, Willow and Sallow.