Hantsmoths

Common on heathland, moorland, open woodland, scrub, shingle beaches, gravel pits, roadside verges and embankments throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight found mainly on damp heathland in the New Forest and north-east Hampshire, also along the coast and in the west and south-east of the Island; fairly common in these areas, but a rare wanderer elsewhere. Wingspan 35-40 mm. The only similar species is Jersey Emerald P. coronillaria, which occurs only on Jersey and which see for differences. Larva feeds on Gorse, Broom and Petty Whin.