Hantsmoths

Local on coastal salt-marshes and sand-dunes, on the south and east coasts of England and Wales as far north as the Humber and Morecambe Bay, extending inland at low density in some areas, but distribution in northern Britain poorly known owing to confusion with Large Ear. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally common on the coastal salterns, with occasional records inland. Wingspan 29-35 mm. Very similar to Large Ear A. lucens, which see for details. In southern England, may be confused with Ear Moth A. oculea, however Saltern Ear is generally paler and longer-winged. Larva feeds on roots and lower stems of various grasses, over-wintering as an egg.