Hantsmoths

Common in mature beech woodland throughout much of England and southern Scotland, but problems in identifying individuals to specific status mean that all Epirrita species are under-recorded. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the least common of the three Epirrita species to occur in the region. Wingspan 38-42 mm. One of four very similar species of Epirrita found in the UK, which are generally separable only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Beech, Elm, Birch, Alder, Hazel, Sallow and Hawthorn, over-wintering as an egg.