Hepialidae

03.003 Map-winged Swift Korscheltellus fusconebulosa (De Geer, 1778)

Common

Similar species: Males of this species are usually distinctive although there is a brown form with very indistict markings apart from a white streak at the base of the forewing and a white marking in the outer central wing. Females are still fairly distinctive, but could be confused in the less brightly patterned forms. Females of Orange Swift Triodia sylvina lack the chequered forewing fringe and have much less prominent markings. Females of Common Swift Korscheltellus lupulina lack the chequered forewing fringe and usually have a longer pale basal streak running close to the trailing edge, although in general the markings are less prominent.

Forewing: 14 to 26mm

Habitats: Moorland, acid open woodland, heathland, rough grassland and occasionally on downland and sand-dunes.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the roots and lower stems of Bracken, Red Fescue and probably other herbaceous plants and grasses. The larva overwinters twice and pupates in the soil.