Gold Swift vs Snout Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Gold Swift | Snout Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phymatopus hecta | Vitessa suradeva |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hepialidae | Pyralidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Gold Swift
A small primitive moth with golden-brown forewings marked with silvery-white spots. Males perform hovering display flights at dusk, dangling their legs and releasing pheromones.
Did You Know?
Larvae feed underground on bracken roots for two years before pupating in the soil.
Snout Moth
A large pyralid moth from Southeast Asia and New Guinea whose caterpillars spin webs on young leaves of poisonous shrubs. Adults have elongated labial palps forming a 'snout'.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars can tolerate feeding on toxic plants that would kill most other moth species.