Hantsmoths

Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from southern Europe, appearing on the south coast, recorded once in Britain at Totteridge, Hertfordshire on 8 October 1967, with no further records until one was recorded in Hampshire, as shown here, in 2021: investigation is ongoing as the exact specific identity of this and the original 'Lorimer's Rustic' as taxonomy is uncertain. Wingspan 28-34 mm. Main confusion species is Pale Mottled Willow Paradrina clavipalpis in which forewing light grey rather than brown, reniform stigma usually edged distally with a buff lunular mark and subterminal fascia with buff spots between veins (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants; no evidence of breeding in the UK.

VC11 South Hampshire