Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, gardens and hedgerows throughout the British Isles; very widespread and common across most of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-38 mm. Very variable in colour, but general pattern of cross-lines always discernible, making the species generally easy to recognise. Larva polyphagous on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs including Elm, Oak, Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Hazel, Willow and Field Maple, and on the larvae of other moths, most notably on Winter Moth, but possibly also cannibalistic, over-wintering as an egg.