Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) on shingle beaches, sand-dunes and sea cliffs, along the coasts of southern and south-eastern England from Cornwall to Suffolk and, locally, on the southern slopes of the South Downs. On the Isle of Wight, common on the Freshwater cliffs. In Hampshire there have been two records, at Southsea in September 1988, and Hengistbury Head (in the Dorset section of vice-county 11) in October 1996. Wingspan 36-42 mm. The dark form ingenua could be confused with Deep-brown Dart A. lutulenta, which flies at the same time, sometimes on the same ground, but in A. lutulenta the forewing is more ample, with pointed apex; the median fascia is darker than the adjacent areas and the fringe is not chequered (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Sea Campion, Common Sorrel, Bramble and Wood Sage.