Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in woodland in parts of western England, less numerous in the south. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 18-21 mm. Very similar to S. ambigualis and S. basistrigalis, from which sometimes only separable by dissection of the genitalia. Well-marked individuals can be separated from S. ambigualis by lack of ochreous tint, strongly developed, dark, evenly curved first line, more sinuate second line, and subterminal line approximated to second throughout its length and often difficult to distinguish from it, and paler hindwing; S. ancipitella is not so broad-winged, nor so irrorate blackish, as S. basistrigalis [Goater].