Hantsmoths

Common on heathland, moorland, downland, damp meadows, sand-dunes and open woodland throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still common on heaths and along the coast. Sometimes, as at Needs Ore in 1996, larvae occur in great profusion in autumn, though they evidently suffer considerable mortality during hibernation. Wingspan male 52-60 mm, female 58-78 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Heather, Bilberry, Bramble, Meadowsweet and Salad Burnet.