Hantsmoths

Local in reed-beds, marshes, fens and gardens throughout much of southern and eastern England, generally most frequent by the coast. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight locally abundant in reed-beds, especially those along the coast at Keyhaven, Lower Test and Titchfield Haven, and extending inland along the valleys of the Avon, Test and Itchen. Wingspan 28-37 mm. Characterised by the narrow reniform stigma, with a small white dot in each half, or sometimes only in dorsal half, and minute orbicular stigma (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on Common Reed, over-wintering as an egg.