Hantsmoths

Local on sand-dunes and shingle beaches along the coasts of England, Wales and eastern Scotland, and inland on calcareous grassland in southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight now a rare species, more or less confined to coastal localities and a few on the chalk, but occasional wanderers turn up at light away from established populations. Wingspan 34-41 mm. The most likely confusion species is Orange Sallow Xanthia citrago, which has forewing with antemedian and median fasciae almost straight and hindwing without black markings (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow, Henbane and Sea Sandwort, over-wintering as a pupa.