Hantsmoths

Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) from southern Europe, appearing in southern England once. The only known British specimen is now in the British Museum (Natural History), London. It was beaten out of a hedge near Brighton, Sussex on 10 September 1896, a year in which immigrant species were numerous. It is a Mediterranean species, extending from Morocco through Spain and Portugal to south-eastern France, southern Switzerland and Austria (MBGBI Vol 10). Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 28-30 mm. It is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on Toadflax and Snapdragon, no evidence of breeding in the UK.