Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on calcareous grassland, favouring south-facing hillsides, formerly widespread across much of southern England and Wales, now gone from many localities where it was once plentiful. In Hampshire restricted to the western end of the chalk, but reported with regularity only from West Down, Chilbolton. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan male 19-25 mm, female 18-22 mm. Day-flying. Very similar to Forester A. statices and Scarce Forester Jordanita globulariae, from which distinguished by minute differences in the antennae but dissection may be required for accurate determination of individuals found on new sites. Larva feeds on Common Rock-rose.