Hepialidae

00080 Ghost Moth Hepialus humuli, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF0014 (ABH3.005)

nr. Borovets, Rila Mtns. 11th July 2016. Male. MV trap.
nr. Borovets, Rila Mtns. 11th July 2016. Male. MV trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
nr. Borovets, Rila Mtns. 11th July 2016. Male. MV trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019

General Information

This is the largest swift found in the UK.

 

Males have plain white forewings and hindwings. Females have a yellow/orange forewing.

 

Flies at dusk and after dark. Groups of males can be seen flying over one spot releasing a goat-like scent.

 

Overwinters as a larva, maybe twice. Pupates underground among roots.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: M 21-29mm. F 21-35mm.
Foodplant(s): grasses (roots), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), herbaceous plants, docks (Rumex spp.), burdocks (Arctium spp.), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Flying: One generation, June-early August
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Grassy or weedy places, on open ground and in woodland rides and clearings.

Regional Information

There are no records in the system yet in Bulgaria.



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Smooth
Colours:
white, yellow, brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5