Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in woodland, heathland and commons throughout southern England. In Hampshire continues to be recorded at low densities in most years, but until rediscovered in Parkhurst Forest in 2020, there was only a single vague record from Wight, dated 1934, referenced in Goater, 1974. Wingspan 10-14 mm. Resembles the much more common Cork Moth N. cloacella most closely, but is usually recognisable by the pale reddish brown subapical area, less mottled than in Cork Moth, in which the whitish postmedian spot stands out distinctly, this spot being not as clearly rounded as in Cork Moth (MBGBI Vol 2). Larva feeds on various bracket fungi, including Razorstrop Fungus, a widespread resident on birch trees.