Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

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3.004 BF16

Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta

(Linnaeus, 1758)

[Synonyms: Hepialus hecta]

Wingspan 22-33 mm.

Locally distributed throughout Britain and Ireland, and occupying a range of grassy and open areas, the males of this species are reputed to have a scent resembling that of pineapple.

The adults fly in June and July, from dusk onwards.

The female deposits the eggs in flight, and the larvae feed on bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), mainly internally until fully grown, when they feed on young shoots.

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