Hantsmoths

Common in grassland, woodland rides, gardens and a wide range of other habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common in all three vice-counties. Wingspan 24-27 mm. Marbled Minor O. strigilis, Rufous Minor O. versicolor and Tawny Marbled Minor O. latruncula, especially their melanic forms, can only reliably be separated by dissection of the genitalia, although it may possible with experience to assign well-marked individuals to Marbled Minor at a particular site once the observer is familiar with the forms present in that area. In its typical form, Marbled Minor is the most easily recognised of the three: a short, black projection from the postmedian line into the white area outside it, near the dorsum, appears to be diagnostic. Larva feeds within stems of various grasses, including Cock's-foot, Common Couch and Reed Canary-grass.