Gold Swift
Common NameGold Swift
Scientific NamePhymatopus hecta
FamilyHepialidae
SubfamilyHepialinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatDamp woodlands, heathland, moorland, often near water
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbracken, heather, grasses, bilberry
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean root feeders, taking two years to develop before pupating underground. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive irregular white markings on the orange-brown forewings, the hairy body, and short antennae. Males are smaller and emit a musky scent.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a stout, hairy, golden-brown body and forewings marked with irregular white or creamy-white patches on an orange-brown background.
