Hantsmoths

Common on sand-dunes, sea cliffs, heathland, moorland and downland throughout much of the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight found primarily on the sandy coasts of vice-counties 10 and 11, with a smaller, darker form frequent on the heaths of the New Forest and north-eastern Hampshire; rare elsewhere. Wingspan 28-40 mm. The most likely confusion species are Square-spot Dart E. obelisca and Coast Dart E. cursoria, which see for differences. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Common Mouse-ear, Common Chickweed, Greater Stitchwort and Hedge Bedstraw, over-wintering as an egg or small larva.