Species Account

Select species and region:


Distribution

 
 

Summary Data

Season (Adult / Immature):

National Status: Local

Local Status: Uncommon and fairly widespread resident.

Local Record: Grade 2   See here for explanation

Flight time: One generation, Jun-Jul.

Forewing: M 12-15mm. F 13-16mm.

Foodplant: Bracken.

Regional breakdown:

 VC61VC62VC63VC64VC65
Year first recorded19401953192619401976
Year last recorded20142014201420142010
Number of records50676014713
Number of individuals651153033332
Unique positions326049799
Unique locations285748759
Adult records44572912811
Immature records10000

For the county, we have a total of 337 records from 217 sites. First recorded in 1926.
 

Photos

03.004 Gold Swift 05
© Terry Box, 28 May 2020
03.004 Gold Swift 04
© Andy Nunn
03.004 Gold Swift 03
© Andy Nunn
03.004 Gold Swift 02 female
© Terry Box, 17 Jun 2010
03.004 Gold Swift 01 male
© Terry Box, 2 Jul 2009

Species Account

For further information refer UK Moths.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Recorded from all five vice-counties and often very common where it does occur, although it flies before dark and is seldom taken at light. Bracken is a main foodplant but it may also be numerous well away from any apparently suitable habitat.

2012 (CHF): Widespread across the county but probably under-recorded. Most often recorded at dusk but does occasionally come to light traps.
 

See background to species accounts.  Index of Vernacular names - Search - Random Species