Hantsmoths

Common in calcareous grassland, and on roadside verges and embankments throughout much of south-eastern England, north to Yorkshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight has increased and expanded its range spectacularly since the 1950s, and is now widespread, being particularly common on the chalk and along the coast. Wingspan 34-37 mm. The only likely confusion species is the very much rarer Viper's Bugloss Hadena irregularis, which see. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of various cereal crops and grasses, including Cock's-foot, False Oat-grass and Common Couch, over-wintering as an egg.