Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Gold swift

Gold swift

Phymatopus hecta

A species of Phymatopus

The gold swift (Phymatopus hecta) is a moth belonging to the family Hepialidae. Until recently it was placed in the genus Hepialus. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. It is a widespread species of Europe, its distribution following that of its food plant, bracken.

General Info About Gold swift
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Gold swift
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Deciduous forest edge; glade; heathland; moorland; woodland meadow
Larva Food Source
Leaves of broadleaved trees, roots, grass, straw, other low-growing plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Gold swift
Widespread
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Gold swift
Europe
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Gold swift
Egg The gold swift begins life as an egg, typically oval-shaped and miniature. Its color can range from translucent to a specific hue relevant to its species, often camouflaged to avoid predation.
Larva After hatching, the larva of gold swift emerges, characterized by a segmented body that may have hair-like structures or spines. The larva focuses on feeding and growth, molting several times as it enlarges.
Pupal The gold swift enters the pupal stage after the last larval molt. Encased in a protective pupa, it undergoes significant transformation. Its tissues are reorganized to form the adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult gold swift's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Gold swift
Gold swift can eject a defensive spray up to several inches away, which it uses to deter predators.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Gold swift
Tips for Finding Gold swift
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Gold swift
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Gold swift
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Gold swift
The best time to find adult gold swift is at night when they are most active. Larvae or caterpillars of gold swift can be found during the day, hidden in host plants or under leaf litter.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Gold swift
Mild temperatures and humid conditions are usually more favorable for finding gold swift. Damp conditions may increase the likelihood of larval activity, while adults may be more active on warmer nights.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Gold swift at Different Life Stages
Egg Gold swift eggs are typically laid on or nearby host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves and stems of potential host plants for small, round eggs.
Larva Gold swift caterpillars can be found on or around their host plants. Look for them by checking the undersides of leaves, along branches, and near the base of plants where they might feed or rest.
Pupal Gold swift pupae may be found in the soil, leaf litter, or in concealed locations near the host plants. Search by gently sifting through soil or leaf litter, or by examining the nooks and crannies in the host plant's vicinity.
Adult Adult gold swift are attracted to light, so setting up a light trap after dusk is an effective way to find them. Otherwise, search near host plants or in open areas where they may be flying or resting on surfaces.
Are Gold swift harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Gold swift
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Garden and Landscape Pest

The larval stage of gold swift bores into the roots of ornamental flowers and shrubs, causing mild to severe damage by hindering plant nutrient uptake. Heavy infestations can lead to plant death, affecting garden aesthetics and requiring costly replacements.

More Effects of Gold swift

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Gold swift
Pharmacis lupulinus
Pharmacis lupulinus

Read More
Arrow
Orange swift
Orange swift

An adult orange swift has a short lifespan since it does not have working mouthparts, only the caterpillars feed. The moth is active from mid-summer to early fall and is often found in gardens, woodlands, and grassy areas. It is a night flier and is attracted to bright lights.

Read More
Arrow
Porina moth
Porina moth

The wingspan is 3.5 - 4 cm for males and 4.5 - 6 cm for females. The colour of the forewings varies from pale tan to blackened.

Read More
Arrow
Silver-spotted ghost moth
Silver-spotted ghost moth

Sthenopis argenteomaculatus, the silver-spotted ghost moth, is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It was described by Thaddeus William Harris in 1841, and is known in North America from Nova Scotia to Virginia and west to Minnesota. The wingspan is about 65–100 mm. The forewings are gray to tan, crossed by irregular dark bands. Adults are on wing from June to August. Food plants for this species include Alnus, Betula, and Salix. They bore in roots of their host plant that are partially submerged in water. The life cycle takes two years.

Read More
Arrow
Four-spotted ghost moth
Four-spotted ghost moth

Sthenopis purpurascens, the four-spotted ghost moth, is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It was described by Packard in 1863. It is found in Canada and the United States, from Labrador and New York north and west to British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, south in the mountains to Arizona. The wingspan is 66–100 mm. There are two color forms, a purple-grey and a yellow-brown form. The latter was previously thought to be a separate species, Sthenopis quadriguttatus. The forewings have a darker oblique median band, a darker terminal area and darker spots along the costa. There are two small, silver spots near the wing base. The hindwings are purple brown or salmon pink and generally unmarked. The larvae feed on Populus, Salix and Alnus species. They bore into the roots of their host plant. The larvae have a cream-white body and brown head and reach a length of 50–60 cm. They need two years to complete their lifecycle

Read More
Arrow
Endoclita sinensis
Endoclita sinensis

Endoclita sinensis is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It is known from China, Korea and Taiwan. Food plants for this species include Castanea and Quercus.

Read More
Arrow
Endoclita excrescens
Endoclita excrescens

Endoclita excrescens is a species of moth of the family Hepialidae. It is known from Japan and the Russian Far East. Food plants for this species include Castanea, Nicotiana, Paulownia, Quercus, and Raphanus. The species is considered a pest of the tobacco plant.

Read More
Arrow
Leto ghost moth
Leto ghost moth

The species is found in tropical Africa.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow