Hantsmoths

A moderately frequent immigrant from southern Europe, north to Shetland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded in small numbers in most years, although the outstanding migrant year of 2006 saw over 320 individuals recorded. Wingspan 30-40 mm. The main confusion species are Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera, which has forewing with a distinctive marginal dot above the tornus, and with reniform stigma usually joined to the costa by a dark triangular wedge, and Eastern Bordered Straw Heliothis nubigera, which has forewing more mottled, subterminal band more indented, and pronounced marginal dots (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva polyphagous, most likely to be found in Britain on imported fruit and cut flowers, but in its native range can be of commerical importance damaging crops such as Tomato and Maize.