Hantsmoths

Common throughout much of southern Britain; widely distributed and fairly common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight: distribution of accepted records indicates that efformata is more likely in calcareous habitats than plagiata: the present species appears to be the more common on the Isle of Wight and in the New Forest but it is unclear whether this is a true reflection of status. Wingspan 37-43 mm. The main confusion species is Lesser Treble-bar A. efformata, but innermost fascia usually more sharply angled in that species. The most reliable separating characteristic on males is that plagiata has elongated, pointed claspers giving rise to a narrow abdomen tip: efformata has a blunter tip to the abdomen with rather shorter, curved claspers. Larva feeds on St John's-worts Hypericum sp.