Hantsmoths

Subspecies caledonensis nationally scarce on steep, grassy, south-facing slopes and undercliffs on or near the coast, and on dunes and limestone areas inland, in the Inner Hebrides and the extreme western mainland (MBGBI Vol 2). Subspecies sabulosa widely distributed and often abundant in the Burren district of Cos Clare and Galway, its range extending northwards through Co. Galway. Subspecies segontii, formerly in Caernarvonshire (Gwynedd) where it occurred in small colonies along the cliffs near Abersoch, was last observed in 1962. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 25-34 mm. Larva feeds on Wild Thyme, over-wintering at least once.