Hantsmoths

Common immigrant from mainland Europe, appearing throughout the British Isles, in most years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight sometimes abundant, with numbers boosted, in good years, by the offspring of earlier migrants. Wingspan 40-48 mm. A familiar and conspicuous moth, often seen by day nectaring in a wide range of habitats, when confusion with Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum is possible. Larva polyphagous on plants such as Stinging Nettle, Hedge Bedstraw, Clover, brassicas and legumes, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas; unable to over-winter in significant numbers.