Hantsmoths

Extinct in the British Isles, formerly in woods in parts of north-western England. Last recorded in 1935 at Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. In South Yorkshire, fairly widespread in woods along the Don until about 1890, though there are specimens dated 1915 and 1919, and could still be found on the border of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire until at least 1919. Felling of woods or industrial pollution may have caused its extinction in some places, but can hardly have been responsible for its decline over the whole of its scattered British range. Wingspan 32-34 mm. Has been confused with the pale form of Minor Shoulder-knot Brachylomia viminalis but has the eyes lashed and the reniform stigma ear-shaped and smaller and also lacks the brown patch on the dorsum and has the subterminal fascia dentate (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on various grasses, no evidence of breeding in the UK.