Hantsmoths

Common on downland, sea cliffs, grassland, woodland clearings, roadside verges and embankments throughout much of southern England, with records north to Yorkshire; it has expanded in range and abundance over recent decades and is one of the relatively few species that is not a priority species for conservation concern. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common and widespread in suitable habitat. Wingspan 53-58 mm. The primary larval foodplants are Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina), Timothy (Phleum pratense), Tor-grass (Brachypodium rupestre) and Yorkshire-fog (Holcus lanatus).