Hantsmoths

Fairly common immigrant from northern Europe, appearing in south-western England, in some years arriving in sufficient numbers to breed. Has increased over the course of the last fifteen years and continues to extend its range north-eastwards, probably as a result of the increase in temperatures in the region. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight infrequent along the coast, with a scattering of records inland. Wingspan 34-44 mm. There is a diagnostic clear white point in the reniform stigma, mid way along the dark streak which runs from base of wing three-quarters of the way to the termen. Larva feeds on various grasses, including Cock's-foot, unable to over-winter in significant numbers.