Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in hedgerows, woodland edges and gardens throughout much of south-eastern England, and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight very local, but since 1990 there does appear to have been an increase in the numbers reported, with a peak of 44 records in 2001. Wingspan 29-32 mm. The main confusion species is Bloxworth Snout H. obsitalis, which has the forewing more pointed and broader, with a conspicuous white patch below the costa outside the median fascia, followed by horizontal dashes (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on Hop.