Conifer Swift Moth
Common NameConifer Swift Moth
Scientific NameKorscheltellus gracilis
FamilyHepialidae
SubfamilyHepialinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatConiferous forests, mixed woodlands, bogs, and areas with host conifers.
Geographic RangeNortheastern North America, including eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Host Plantsspruce, fir, pine, birch, willow, blueberry
Flight PeriodLate May to early August, typically flying in July.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean root feeders, developing over two to three years on various conifers and some deciduous plants. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive cryptic forewing pattern of browns, tans, and whites, and its robust, hairy body. It lacks a functional proboscis, a characteristic of swift moths.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with cryptically patterned forewings featuring intricate mottling of brown, tan, and white, resembling bark or lichen. Its body is hairy and stout.
