Hantsmoths

Very rare immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing in southern England. First recorded in Britain in Bedfordshire in 1907, with subsequent records being almost entirely limited to coastal south-eastern England between Hampshire & Suffolk with well over half of them from east Kent (VC15); the peak year was 2012 with four records. In Hampshire recorded at Cowplain in 1920. On the Isle of Wight, recorded at Freshwater in 1956 and Cranmore in 1960. Wingspan 54-62 mm. Although fairly distinctive, could be confused with both Iron Prominent N. dromedarius and Pebble Prominent N. ziczac, and it is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on Aspen, Black Poplar and White Poplar, no evidence of breeding in the UK.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire