Hantsmoths

Local in hedgerows, scrub, woodland, parks and gardens throughout much of southern England, north to Merseyside and Humberside. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still widespread and moderately common, although has declined due to the ravages of Dutch Elm Disease. Wingspan 29-34 mm. The main confusion species is Lesser-spotted Pinion C. affinis; in C. pyralina the costa is relatively more arched, and the hindwing paler, without a dark border, so that the cilia contrast less with the rest of the wing (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva polyphagous on many deciduous trees and shrubs, favouring elm, and over-wintering as an egg.