Hantsmoths

Local and increasing in hedgerows, scrub and gardens throughout southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight numbers recorded on the county database have increased significantly since the mid 1990s, with an average of five annual records between 1995 and 2002, increasing to more than 20 annual records between 2003 and 2005, and an unprecedented 80 in 2006: this was a good year for migrants, and it is certain that the resident population is strengthened by arrivals from the continent at times. Wingspan 20-25 mm. The bar of blackish raised scales from dorsum to shortly beyond middle of wing render the species unmistakable [Goater]. Larva feeds within berries of Spindle, perhaps increasingly making use of garden forms, such as Euonymus japonicus, over-wintering as a pupa.