Hantsmoths

Subspecies latomarginata common on grassland, chalk downland and sea cliffs throughout much of England (but largely absent from the south-west) and southern Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight far more common and widespread than the Five-spot Burnet, and colonies of 'five-spot burnets' encountered off the chalk are more than likely to be this species. Subspecies insularis restricted to northern Ireland. Subspecies jocelynae (Talisker Burnet) restricted to Skye, where it is protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act, and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Wingspan 22-40 mm. The differences between this species and Five-spot Burnet are comparative and slight, but in lonicerae forewing is longer and more pointed, leading corner of hindwing is more pointed and black border of hindwing is narrower, but a number of specimens of each may be needed in order to see these differences. Larva feeds on Meadow Vetchling, Red Clover, Sainfoin, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, White Clover and Bitter Vetchling.