Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows, woodland and gardens throughout much of Britain. Originally a native of Madeira, now fully naturalised, but how it reached Britain remains a mystery (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). In Hampshire a recent arrival in the county, first being recorded in Portsmouth in 1994, since when it has spread rapidly and is now frequently recorded throughout. On the Isle of Wight increasing in the west of the Island. Wingspan 13-22 mm. Larva feeds on various mosses, dead insects, detritus, decaying vegetable matter, also on seedpods of Tree Lupin and Tansy.