Hantsmoths

Previously considered to be widespread, in woodland, heathland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens, throughout much of the British Isles, but appears to have collapsed as a breeding species in the southern part of the country. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, it is very rare and while perhaps it may be being overlooked, the absence of any confirmed records for over a decade suggest that it is more likely now to be functionally extinct in our area. Wingspan 32-40mm. The most likely confusion species is Common Marbled Carpet C. truncata, but that species has a less acutely angled postmedian fascia on the hindwing, more obvious on the underside, and is double brooded: citrata has a limited flight period, in the literature generally quoted as running from June to August.Good photographs of both the upper AND underside or a specimen is required for this species to be considered for acceptance. Larva feeds on Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Heather and Sallow, over-wintering as an egg or small larva.