Hantsmoths

A vulnerable Red Data Book species, on heathland in parts of Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset. It was first discovered in Britain in West Sussex in 1990. In Hampshire first discovered in the county in 1996 at Linford, it has subsequently been found found to occur widely in the New Forest. While it may have been a new arrival in the country at that time, it may well have been previously overlooked due to its late season and short flight period, which is for only half an hour at dusk. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 32-38 mm. Distinguished from Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis by the very pointed apex and slightly smaller size. Larva feeds on flowers of Bell Heather, over-wintering as an egg.