Hantsmoths

Local in pine woodland throughout much of England and Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common where there is pine on heaths and plantations throughout the county, but distinctly uncommon on the Island. Wingspan 24-30 mm. The genus Dioryctria contains four closely related species in Britain, which require close examination to separate: D. simplicella is usually more uniformly grey in appearance than the other three species, exhibiting a reduction in contrast between the ground colour of the forewing and the paler cross-lines and discal spot. Larva feeds within young shoots of Scots Pine, Corsican Pine and Maritime Pine.