Hantsmoths

Local in broad-leaved woodland, moorland and wooded heathland throughout much of Scotland, northern England and Ireland. Unlikely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-42 mm. Some forms of Ingrailed Clay D. mendica may be mistaken for male Barred Chestnut, but have the costa of the forewing less strongly arched, the hindwing paler and usually with a faint postmedian band and a differently marked underside. The female can be confused with Purple Clay D. brunnea (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on various woody plants and herbaceous plants, including Bilberry, Bramble, Sallow, Silver Birch and Downy Birch.