Hantsmoths

Local, in dry grassland and on chalk downland, throughout much of Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, very scarce on short chalk downland turf, and found in numbers only in West Wight. Wingspan 15-21mm. Markings very similar to those of P. purpuralis but when fresh has a subtly pinker colour to the forewing which is narrower and has a slightly concave leading edge. The cream spots markings are generally linked together and edged with black. The least subjective criteria can be found on the underside of the wing, viewable best on a set specimen but also on the live moth in a clear container: the pale subterminal line in P.purpuralis is nearly straight and fades before the costa, whereas in the present species it curves to meet the postmedian line at the costa (see British Pyralid Moths, Goater 1986 p.67 for illustration). The larva feeds on Wild Thyme. A good photograph or specimen is required for records of this species to be accepted.