Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, gardens and wherever there are oak trees throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-42 mm. Very variable and often a pitfall for beginners, but usually shows a series of three small blotches on forewing, lying just inside the subterminal fascia, one on the costa, one on the dorsum and one in between; a common species which, with experience, is easily recognisable by the diagnostic wing shape. Larva feeds on Sessile and Pedunculate Oak and various species of Willow, as well as a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, including Silver and Downy Birch, Hawthorn, Hazel, Elm and Lime, over-wintering as a pupa.