Hantsmoths

Local on waste ground in south-east England, formerly a rare immigrant, subsequently becoming established in the Thames Valley and around Portsmouth, and now found throughout much of southern England. Widespread and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 29-37 mm. Male is unmistakable; female can be confused with Sitochroa verticalis, but in that species the second line on forewing is evenly curved, not angled below half-way. Larva feeds in Britain on Mugwort, on the continent it is often a serious pest of Maize.