Hantsmoths

Local in calcareous grassland, farmland, gardens and woodland edges throughout England, mainly in the south-east, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire the species has shown a marked decrease in recent years and there are now only scattered records from the county; very rarely recorded on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 38-44 mm. Fairly distinctive, with light ochreous forewing often longer and narrower than in other Apamea species; reniform and orbicular stigmata rounded, slightly paler than ground colour; pale cross-lines extremely weak; and a row of narrow blackish crescent marks along termen (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on the flowers and seeds of various grasses, including Cock's-foot and Common Couch, and of cereal crops.