Hantsmoths

Common in flower meadows, farmland and chalk downland; 0-1600 m throughout much of mainland Europe, appearing throughout the British Isles, in most years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a widespread and common immigrant. Wingspan 46-54 mm. The pale f. helice is often mistaken for the much rarer Pale Clouded Yellow and Berger's Clouded Yellow. Larva feeds on Lucerne, White Clover, Black Medick, Sainfoin and White Melilot, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.