
Orange Swift
The forewing markings of the male vary in their extent and intensity from dark brown to grey or pale whitish. The markings can include obvious white patches on the forewings although entirely plain examples occur. The females are usually less strongly marked.
The white larvae live underground feeding on the roots of grasses and other herbaceous plants from June to the following April.
Feeds on the roots of grasses and many other wild and cultivated herbaceous plants. Sometimes a pest of agriculture or horticulture.
Open grassland, gardens and roadside verges, moorland, heathland, fens and grassy woodland rides.
Common Swift - Donald Hobern
Donald Hobern
Common Swift (male) - Paul Kitchener
Paul Kitchener
Common Swift (female) - Ben Sale
Ben Sale
Common Swift - Paul Kitchener
Paul Kitchener
Common Swift - nutmeg66
nutmeg66