Hantsmoths

Common in broad-leaved woodland, especially mature oak woods, parks, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles; still widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 42-52 mm. Similar in general appearance to Scarce Merveille du Jour Moma alpium, but flies much later in the year, and is less heavily marked with black. Larva feeds on flowers and leaves of Oak, over-wintering as an egg; in spring the larvae can be found by day, wedged into crevices in the bark of old oak trees.