Hantsmoths

Common often abundant, in all types of habitat throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 30-40 mm. One of the commonest visitors to the light trap in early spring, but occasionally, around mid-May, appearing at the same time as the superficially similar Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum. Larva polyphagous on a great many deciduous trees and shrubs, including Oak, Birch, Hawthorn, Sallow, Lime and Bilberry, and herbaceous plants such as Meadowsweet and Stinging Nettle, over-wintering as a pupa.