Hantsmoths

Common in gardens, woodland, hedgerows, downs, fens, moors and sand-dunes throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire, but rather scarce on the Isle of Wight, with just four records there so far this century. Wingspan 24-27 mm. Very similar in form to Red Twin-spot Carpet X. spadicearia, which see; the red form, which has yet to be reliably identified from Hampshire, should be treated as indistinguishable without dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on Bedstraw, Ground-ivy and Dock, over-wintering as a pupa.