Common Swift Moth vs Alpine Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Swift Moth Alpine Click Beetle
Scientific Name Korscheltellus lupulina Hypnoidus rivularius
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Hepialidae Elateridae
Size 25-38 mm wingspan 5-7 mm
Habitat Gardens Mountains
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Northern Europe, Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Swift Moth

A small brownish moth with faint white streaks that emerges in large numbers in early summer evenings. Its underground larvae are a pest of lawns, crops, and garden plants.

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Did You Know?

Females scatter eggs randomly in flight, letting them fall into grass rather than placing them on specific plants.

Alpine Click Beetle

A small, dark click beetle found in damp alpine and subalpine habitats. Its larvae develop in moist soil among grass roots.

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Did You Know?

Like all click beetles, it can launch itself into the air with an audible click to escape predators.