Hantsmoths

Rare immigrant, appearing in increasing numbers in the West Country, notably at Portland, Dorset. The first authenticated record was from South Devon in 1990. In Hampshire since the first record at Fareham in 1997, recorded increasingly along much of the south coast, appearing in northern Hampshire for the first time in 2008 at Shortheath Common and on the Isle of Wight at Freshwater in 1996. Wingspan 16-20 mm. A highly distinctive and unmistakable species. Larva feeds within nuts of Oak, Hazel, Beech and Walnut.