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 comparatively scarce on the Isle of Wight but it is unclear whether this is a true reflection of status. Wingspan 35-41 mm. The main confusion species is Treble-bar A. plagiata, but innermost fascia usually more sharply angled in A. efformata. 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.