Hantsmoths

Common on heaths, gardens and open woodland in the southern half of England, Wales and Ireland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and usually fairly common in the three vice-counties, the gregarious larvae still a familiar sight, though certainly much less so than 30 years ago. Wingspan male 32-36 mm, female 40-44 mm. Similar to Ground Lackey M. castrensis, which see for differences. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Plum, Apple and Cherry, living gregariously within a silken web, over-wintering as an egg.