Hantsmoths

Nationally scarce (Nb) in pine woodland in south-eastern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but thinly distributed throughout much of the county, remaining very uncommon on the Island. Resident population probably increased by migration from the continent, particularly in 2006. Wingspan 28-35 mm. The genus Dioryctria contains four closely related species in Britain, which require close examination to separate: in D. sylvestrella the subterminal line is generally smooth with a single waved kink its mid-point, in the other three species this line is dentate from the mid-point to the dorsum. Larva feeds on Scots Pine, Maritime Pine and Corsican Pine.