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Ghost Moth
Hepialus humuli (Linnaeus, 1758)
Hepialidae
14 / 3.005
Photo © Paul Harris

Similar Dorset Species: None
Forewing: M 21-29mm. F 21-35mm.
Flight: June - August
Foodplant:   Grasses, Herbaceous plants
Red List: Least Concern (LC)
GB Status: Common
Verification Grade:  Adult: 1

Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in the British Isles, the larva feeding on the roots of grasses and other plants that include nettle (Urtica spp.), burdock (Arctium spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum spp.) and dock (Rumex spp.). In Dorset, the moth ranges from common on some unimproved alkaline grasslands, to local on sandy soils "further east; it is virtually absent from heathland. The species has not constituted an agricultural pest, but prior to the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture occasionally proved troublesome in flower gardens" (per W Parkinson Curtis manuscript).

Recorded in 36 (90%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1930.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)

Latest 5 Records (Data up to end 2019)
Date#VC10k Area
22/07/201919ST61 - Sherborne
22/07/201919SY89 - Bere Regis
18/07/201919SY79 - Puddletown
17/07/201919SY49 - Bridport
15/07/201919SY79 - Puddletown
Further info: Hepialus humuli
 
UK Moths
Mothdissection UK
Lepiforum.de Dorset Moths (Full)
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