Hantsmoths

Common in grassland, woodland rides, gardens and a wide range of other habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common, possibly more so than Marbled Minor O. strigilis. Wingspan 24-27 mm. Marbled Minor O. strigilis, Rufous Minor O. versicolor and Tawny Marbled Minor O. latruncula, especially their melanic forms, can only reliably be separated by dissection of the genitalia. Typical examples of Tawny Marbled Minor have the forewing blackish brown, the outer area with a distinct coppery burnish; reniform and orbicular stigmata usually indistinct except with a lens; antemedian line dentate, often very indistinct and incomplete; postmedian line curving more evenly to dorsum than in Marbled Minor (MBGBI Vol 10). It is possible with experience to assign well-marked individuals to Tawny Marbled Minor at a particular site once the observer is familiar with the forms present in that area. Larva feeds on various grasses, including Cock's-foot.