Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) on chalk downland, heathland, sea cliffs, quarries and embankments, a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Formerly widely distributed, but always local, in England and Wales from Yorkshire southwards, but its range has declined substantially since the 1960s. The Brecklands of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge are still believed to be the main national stronghold for this species in Britain. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight the species seems to have disappeared from many of its former localities as part of the massive national decline: since 1986, recorded just twice, at King's Sombourne on 10 July 1992 and Eastleigh on 23 July 1993. Wingspan 35-40 mm. Larva feeds on Soapwort, Bladder Campion and Knotgrass, over-wintering as a pupa.