Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) and declining, in coppiced woodland in England and southern Scotland, and on moorland in north-western Scotland and the Hebrides, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight used to be very common in the New Forest and other extensive areas of birch woodland during the 1940s, having previously been rare. It is now rare once more, and absent from most of its former strongholds. It was last seen at Botley Wood in 1988, Fleet Pond in 1991 and Pamber Forest in 1999. The only extant colonies appear to be at Bentley and Harewood Forest. Wingspan 34-38 mm. Unmistakable, flying by day over birches. Larva feeds on Downy Birch, Silver Birch and Bog-myrtle, over-wintering as a pupa.