Hepialidae

03.004 Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Similar species: The males of this species have two almost parallel rows of silver spots on a bright gold-orange forewing. Females are dull (sometimes purplish) brown with broad diffuse pale bands unlike other female swifts. Both sexes are distinct because of these features.

Forewing: M 12 to 15mm, F 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Woodland rides, rough grassland, heathland and scrubby areas with Bracken.

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

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the roots of Bracken, mosses, and possibly other herbaceous plants. It overwinters twice and pupates in the soil.