3.004 BF16

Gold Swift Phymatopus hecta

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 22-33 mm.

Locally distributed throughout Britain and Ireland, and occupying a range of grassy and open areas, the males of this species are reputed to have a scent resembling that of pineapple.

The adults fly in June and July, from dusk onwards.

The female deposits the eggs in flight, and the larvae feed on bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), mainly internally until fully grown, when they feed on young shoots.