Hantsmoths

Common in calcareous grassland and gardens throughout much of southern England. In Hampshire mainly a garden species and first recorded in 1983, since when it has spread rapidly. As at 2015 there were just two records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-34 mm. The main confusion species is Marbled Coronet H. confusa which is larger, with more ample forewing, median fascia incomplete, diagonal, from orbicular stigma to tornus, and whitish blotches at each extremity of subterminal line (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on seedpods of Bladder Campion and, in gardens, Sweet-William, over-wintering as a pupa.