Hepialidae

0016 (ABH3.004) Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta (=Hepialus), (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR00078

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Gold Swift
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

The bands on the forewing run parallel unlike other swift moths.

 

Mainly flies at dusk near to food plant, but sometimes at dawn as well.

 

Overwinters twice as a larva. Pupates underground.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: M 12-15mm F 13-16mm
Foodplant(s): Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), grasses (possibly), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, mid June-mid July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Local

Habitat

Open woodland, heath and rough grassland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 28 (10.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 22 May to 19 August

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Common Swift Korscheltellus lupulina (=Hepialus lupulinus)

Local
Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
grey, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5