Hantsmoths

A species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Occurs in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks, marshes, river-banks, damp areas, fens and gardens throughout much of the British Isles, In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight historically widespread in the mainland vice-counties, but seldom common; it is found in open woodland and bushy places on and off the chalk, but has decreased considerably and recent records have centered on the Test valley with occasional records from the border with Dorset in the south-west. Wingspan 38-48 mm. Dotted Rustic Rhyacia simulans has a narrower forewing and never has black outlines to the stigmata; Stout Dart Spaelotis ravida also has a narrower forewing with a fine, black streak at the base, no claviform stigma and a much paler hindwing (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on Sallow, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Broad-leaved Dock.