Ghost Moth Hepialus humuli
This large moth is relatively common around Norfolk. The male and female are quite different, where the male is pure white; the female is larger and has yellow forewings and brown hind-wings. You can spot one between June and July.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Although relatively common in Norfolk, this species has suffered significant declines in Britain as a whole.
How to help
Leave areas of your garden uncut to create patches of longer grass. This will help the moth and create a greater variety of habitats for other species.
Wildstock
Information on the Ghost Moth
How to recognise
This is a reasonably common species over much of Norfolk and is the largest of our swifts. The male has a wingspan of about 45mm and both forewings and hind-wings are pure white, while the females are quite different, being larger (wingspan about 50 mm) and having yellowish-buff forewings with darker linear markings and brownish hind-wings. This moth has relatively short antennae, a feature that it shares with other related British species
Where to see
The peak flight period for the ghost moth occurs during June and July when this species can be found within a variety of grassy habitats. This moth can be seen in many gardens, particularly those in rural locations with areas of tall grass.
When to see
They can be seen in the summer months, mainly during June and July.
Did you know?
The English name 'ghost' refers to the white males, which can be seen at dusk, 'hovering' over grassy areas, sometimes slowly rising and falling. They may occasionally be seen in “lekking” groups, displaying to attract the females.
Related questions
There are no questions regarding this species, perhaps you should ask us one?