03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift female Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift & Orange Swift Copyright Martin Evans
03.002 Common Swift, Map-winged Swift and Orange Swift Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 03.002 Common Swift Copyright Martin Evans

Hepialidae

03.002 Common Swift Korscheltellus lupulina (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: Orange Swift Triodia sylvina has an inner central cross-line that sometimes curves towards the wing base rather than a long basal streak running close to the trailing edge. It also has a central grey triangle edged in white near the leading edge rather than a more diffuse white marking. Females of Map-winged Swift Korscheltellus fusconebulosa have a chequered fringe and usually brighter, more prominent markings.

Forewing: M 11 to 16mm, F 15 to 20mm

Habitats: Rough grassland, road verges, heathland, moors, woodland rides and gardens.

Habits: The moth is nocturnal, flies from dusk and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva can be a pest. It feeds on the roots of grasses, docks, geraniums, Black Horehound, White Dead-nettle, Red Dead-nettle and other plants. It may overwinter twice as a larva and pupates in the soil.