Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in heaths and open woodland in parts of the British Isles. In Hampshire locally common in the north-east and around the New Forest. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 22-25 mm. Day-flying, the earliest clearwing to emerge in spring. The early stages may be sought during the winter months, but synthetic pheromone lures are used to attract males nowadays, and this has led to a marked increase in records of the species in recent years. Larva feeds within bark of Silver Birch, Downy Birch and Alder, making characteristic tunnels under the bark of birch trees and stumps.