Hantsmoths

First recorded in Britain in Sussex in 2014, and recorded annually subsequently. While its historic stated range is the mountains of southern Europe, as well as on the Balkan Peninsula and the Caucasus, an increase of numbers in northern Europe indicates a likely expansion of range: the first (and so far only) record for the Isle of Wight occurred in 2014, part of small influx into southern England which also saw reports from Sussex and Kent: Hampshire saw its first in 2017. Four records in the Bournemouth area in 2018, 2021 and 2023 (2) suggest the possibility of localised colonisation. Subsequent records range from Dorset in the west South Midlands and East Anglia. The larva lives on Pinus or Picea sp. on the continent. The adults fly in one or two generations a year; from June till the end of September.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire