Hantsmoths

Possibly a very rare immigrant from southern Europe, appearing on the south coast, with a number of records from the 19th Century, but none since; it is known to have declined throughout its range, but being of great allure to collectors it perhaps has never been reliably recorded in this country. In Hampshire there is just a single record of two near Petersfield in 1890, mentioned in Goater (1974) but the provenance of this information is unknown as 'the record was never published'. Wingspan 32-36 mm. Larva feeds on Monk's-hood, but on the continent it does also utilise Delphinium in gardens. The moth flies in May and June, the larva in July and August, overwintering as a pupa.

VC11 South Hampshire