Hantsmoths

Common in unimproved grassland, woodland rides, marshes, moorland, saltmarshes and gardens throughout much of the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and still found in small numbers across the county. Wingspan 28-34 mm. Ear Moth is very like other Amphipoea species and those from northern Britain at any rate can only be identified with certainty by reference to the genitalia (MBGBI Vol 10). In southern England, it may be confused with Saltern Ear A. fucosa, however Saltern Ear is generally paler and longer-winged. Larva feeds within stems and roots of various grasses, including Annual Meadow-grass and Tufted Hair-grass, and herbaceous plants such as Butterbur, over-wintering as an egg.