Common Swift Moth
Common NameCommon Swift Moth
Scientific NameKorscheltellus lupulinus
FamilyHepialidae
SubfamilyHepialinae
Wingspan (mm)32.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark brown
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, gardens, open woodlands, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North Africa
Host Plantsgrasses, clover, dandelion, dock, strawberry
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean, feeding on the roots of various herbaceous plants and grasses for up to two years before pupating underground.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive white, often jagged, diagonal stripe on the reddish-brown forewings and the very furry body. Males are typically smaller and have more pronounced markings than females.
Description
A medium-sized, furry moth with reddish-brown forewings featuring a prominent, jagged white stripe running diagonally from the costa to the tornus, and often darker spots near the outer margin.
