Hantsmoths

Common on heathland and moorland throughout the British Isles, becoming established even on isolated gorse bushes. Common and widespread in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight in appropriate habitat, and therefore scarce on the chalk. Wingspan 11-16 mm. Reminiscent of C. splendana in general appearance but differs in its smaller size and the weaker ocellus of the forewing [Bradley]. Larva feeds within seedpods of Gorse and, less frequently, Dyer's Greenweed, Petty Whin, Broom and Bird's-foot Trefoil, over-wintering in a cocoon.