Hantsmoths

Common and widespread, in sand-dunes, heaths, moorland, chalk downland, grassland, roadside verges and heaths throughout most of the British Isles, including Orkney and Shetland; throughout mainland Europe and Fennoscandia. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common in suitable open, grassland habitat. However, it is a species of conservation concern and on the UK BAP list following a 1976-2014 abundance decline of over 50%, but which has stabilised over the past decade.

Wingspan 26-34 mm. The primary larval foodplants are bents (Agrostis spp.), fescues (Festuca spp.) and meadow-grasses (Poa spp.).