Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Na) in damp meadows, fens, marshes and by river-banks in parts of southern England and Wales, rare elsewhere. In Hampshire virtually restricted to the Leckford Estate, where known for many years; elsewhere, there is only one recent record, at Hurn near Christchurch in 2007. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 8-10 mm. The large triangular golden metallic spot on the forewing from base to the middle of the basal area, and an uninterrupted apical line in combination with the two white subapical rings of the antenna distinguish it from allied species (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). Larva mines blades of Reed Canary-grass, Sweet Vernal-grass, Common Reed, Wood Millet and Holy-grass, over-wintering in a cocoon.

VC11 South Hampshire

VC12 North Hampshire