Hantsmoths

Common in a wide variety of habitats, from gardens, heathland and woodland, to downland and marshes throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-21 mm. A large, grey pug with a small discal spot, one of the commonest species of Eupithecia, and familiarity with this species is the key to the identification of other, less common species; a unicolorous form is very similar to unicolorous forms of Green Pug Pasiphila rectangulata and several other pug species. Larva feeds on various woody plants, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn, and herbaceous plants, including Ragwort and Yarrow, over-wintering as a pupa.