Hantsmoths

Local on sand-dunes, all around the coasts of the British Isles, and on heaths inland in southern England. In Hampshire frequent on the sand-dunes of Hayling Island, less so in other coastal localities; still found in small numbers in the New Forest and on the eastern heaths of North Hampshire. There have only been three recent record from the Isle of Wight, in 1995, 2011 and 2013. Wingspan 30-40 mm. The most distinctive and easily recognised of the Agrostis species. Larva feeds on herbaceous plants such as Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw, Heath Bedstraw and Greater Stitchwort.