Hantsmoths

Common on rough grassland, downland, woodland edges, parks and gardens throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, there has undoubtedly been a substantial decline since the 1950s, when it was abundant on the north-east heaths and in the New Forest, but apparent increases in recent years, especially in 2006, hint at a partial recovery. Wingspan 38-48 mm. The main confusion species is Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata, but in Feathered Gothic the male has strongly bipectinate antenna; forewing darker brown; lines, other than subterminal, inconspicuous; flies late August to September. Larva feeds on various species of grass, including Mat-grass and Sheep's-fescue, over-wintering as an egg.