Hantsmoths

Naturalised in warehouses following accidental introduction in dried fruit throughout the British Isles, but especially in ports such as London and Liverpool, and quite frequent at light in urban areas where presumed to have originated from greengrocers and supermarkets. In Hampshire found on three occasions in 1967 in Southampton Docks, and taken twice at light in Southsea, probably from a similar source, the latest in 2013. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 19-28 mm. Most likely to be confused with Mediterranean Flour Moth Ephestia kuehniella, another warehouse specialist, but smaller with narrower wings and lacking conspicuous blackish edging to cross-lines [Goater]. Larva feeds on dried fruit and nuts, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.

VC11 South Hampshire