Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) in damp woodland, fens and marshes, in isolated colonies from Somerset to Yorkshire. In Hampshire very local in marshy woodland amongst the foodplant, and pretty much confined to the New Forest and east Dorset heaths. Formerly very rare on the Isle of Wight, a colony was discovered at Afton Marsh in 2010 where it is obviously well established. Wingspan 20-24 mm. More likely to be confused with Brown Scallop Philereme vetulata than any of the other pug species. Larva feeds on flowers and leaves of Yellow Loosestrife, over-wintering as a pupa.