Common Swift (Korscheltellus lupulina (=Hepialus lupulinus), (Linnaeus, 1758))

0017 (ABH3.002) Common Swift Korscheltellus lupulina (=Hepialus lupulinus), (Linnaeus, 1758)

Photo © Peter Bissell

Common Swift

Photo © Peter Bissell

pre-2000

2000-2009

2010-2019

2020-onwards

Photo © Peter Bissell

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Photo © Jonathan Newman

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Hemingford Grey

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Hemingford Grey

Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Earith

Photo © David Griffiths

Pupa remains in soil, Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

A bad attack of swifts from one Hellebore, Great Staughton

Photo © Peter Bissell

General Information
This is the most common of the UK swift moths.

The female is larger and the male has quite variable markings.

Flies mainly at dusk and within the first hour of darkness.

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

Forewing length: M 11-16mm. F 15-20mm.
Foodplant(s): grasses, herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Grassland, gardens, roadsides, fens and moorland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 136 (50.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 17 April to 24 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 31 May to 31 May

Similar Species

Great Staughton

Orange Swift Triodia sylvina (=Hepialus)

Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta (=Hepialus)

Larva/Leafmine:

Larva Type:

Glossy

Colours:

grey, white, brown

No. of Proleg Pairs:

0017 (ABH3.002) Common Swift Korscheltellus lupulina (=Hepialus lupulinus), (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR00067