Hantsmoths

Local in dry open areas in parts of southern England. In Hampshire first recorded in the Itchen Valley in 1976, and increasing in the south, where associated with an increase in the foodplant, Prickly Lettuce, and now well-established in the Portsmouth and Southsea area. Has recently started to appear elsewhere in the county (1999 in vice-county 12) and on the Isle of Wight (2004). Wingspan 15-19 mm. The pale yellowish brown general coloration of the forewing and the relatively conspicuous medio-dorsal blotch of light ground colour are characteristic [Bradley]. Larva feeds on flowerheads of Prickly Lettuce, Garden Lettuce and Great Lettuce, over-wintering in a cocoon.