Hantsmoths

Increasingly common immigrant from southern Europe, appearing in southern England for the first time at New Romney, Kent, on 3 October 2002. Can now be found along the south coast, mostly in September and October, but occasionally as early as May. In our area first recorded in 2003, and 2006 saw a peak of 140 individuals in the southern two vice-counties: it was predicted that it may not be long before this species colonises the county, although to date no evidence has been found of breeding in our area; if it has done so then the Isle of Wight is most likely where counts have remained constant between 10 and 15 individuals for the past four years. Conversely, since 2010 counts are very low in South Hampshire. Reported three times in VC12. Wingspan 28-34 mm. On the continent, the larva feeds on various herbaceous plants.