Hepialidae
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Photo © Dave Foot,  male

Similar Dorset Species
Common Swift
Korscheltellus lupulina
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Gold Swift
Phymatopus hecta

(Linnaeus, 1758) 16 / 3.004
=Hepialus hecta

Davey, P., 2009: A local species in the British Isles, the larva feeding for two years on the roots of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). The adult male is said to exude a scent reminiscent of pineapple. In Dorset, the moth is rather local, preferring the shelter of woodland on acid and clay soils where bracken abounds. The oscillating dusk flight of this species has been observed by the author immediately above bracken canopy in Chase Woods, in Holt Wood and close to Hardy's monument on the summit... Read More

Recorded in 24 (60%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1895.
Last Recorded in 2022.
(Data up to end 2023)
Additional Stats

Forewing: M 12-15mm. F 13-16mm.
Flight: June - July
Foodplant:   Bracken
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Former Status: Local
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1
< Map-winged Swift | Ghost Moth >
List Species Records   [Show All Latest]
Latest 5 Records (data up to end 2023)
Date#VC10k Area
08/07/202219SY68 Weymouth / Martinstown
07/07/202219SY88 Wool / Lulworth
17/06/202269SY59 Powerstock / Kingcombe
11/06/202229ST50 Halstock
31/07/202119ST61 Sherborne

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