Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in dry pastures, heathland and fens in parts of England and south-western Ireland. In Hampshire very local on the chalk around Winchester between the Itchen and Test valleys, also recorded historically from Oxenbourne Down, with wanderers elsewhere. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 13-17 mm. In some respects reminiscent of a small P. rugosana but at once distinguished by the conspicuous ferruginous-red apical spot and the generally white basal area of the forewing; the dappled hindwing distinguishes this species from Hysterophora maculosana [Bradley]. Larva feeds within berries of Buckthorn.