Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on saltmarshes, along the coasts of England and Wales, and inland, erratically, in woodland clearings, woodland rides and gardens in parts of southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight larvae are reported from time to time on Sea Aster in the salterns along the coasts of south Hampshire, and the moth is occasionally taken at light or visiting flowers. In the past, larvae were also found abundantly on Golden-rod at Baddesley Great Covert and Botley Wood. There is still only one record from north Hampshire, from Whitehill in 1951. Wingspan 45-52 mm. Larva feeds on flowers and leaves of Sea Wormwood and Goldenrod, over-wintering as a pupa.