Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) on damp heathland in southern England (Hampshire and adjoining counties), and in bogs and mosses in Scotland and northern England (ssp. bowesi). In Hampshire a speciality of the New Forest, where the moth can be found resting on the small pines on the heaths during May. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 36-42 mm. Fairly distinctive, with very straight costa and, often, a small pale elongated discal spot. Larva feeds on Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Bilberry, Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath, over-wintering as a pupa.