Hantsmoths

A rare Red Data Book and a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, now confined to acid heathland in Hampshire and neighbouring counties. In Hampshire more or less confined to the New Forest, where it occurs on damp heathland, although recent records have been few, with none since 1999. Recorded on the Isle of Wight for the first, and so far only, time at Freshwater in 1985. The south-eastern European subspecies has been recorded as a rare migrant in south-east Kent. Wingspan 32-37 mm. Day-flying, may come to light. The main confusion species is Marbled Clover H. viriplaca, which lacks the distinctive basal streak of H. maritima. Larva feeds on flowers of Cross-leaved Heath, over-wintering as a pupa.