Hantsmoths

Rare immigrant from continental Europe, appearing on the south coast of England. In our area Goater (1974) reports it from the Freshwater area with three in 1859 (Rogers, 1859, E.W.I.: 35, also Ent. Ann 1860:160), one in 1949 (Manley, from Blair), two in 1961, a pale form on 16th September and another, ab. desyllesi two days later , and one on 24th September 1962, shown at the Annual Exhibition of the South London Entomological & Natural History Society that year; on the coast of Hampshire, the only record is one at Southsea on 27 August 1964 at Southsea (from a letter to Tim Norriss in 2000). Wingspan 30-36 mm. Possible confusion species include Flounced Rustic L. testacea and Sandhill Rustic L. nickerlii, although obliquely elongated orbicular stigma diagnostic. Larva feeds on roots of various grasses; no evidence of breeding in the UK.

VC10 Isle of Wight

VC11 South Hampshire