description Ghost moth Overview
The Ghost moth (Hepialus humuli) is a moth species in the family Hepialidae, native to much of Europe. Adult males are conspicuously white, while females are yellowish-brown with darker markings. At dusk, males gather to perform a hovering display flight called a lek above open ground, attracting females through this aerial courtship. The species was first scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in the 1758 tenth edition of his Systema Naturae.
help Ghost moth FAQ
Why is the Ghost moth given its common name?
The Ghost moth (Hepialus humuli) gets its name from the adult males, which are conspicuously white and visible in the fading light. At dusk, their pale color and slow, hovering flight give them an eerie, ghost-like appearance in their natural habitat.
What is the "lekking" behavior of the Ghost moth?
Lekking is a mating display where groups of male Ghost moths gather at dusk to perform a hovering dance above the ground to attract females. The males drop down toward the vegetation and rise again repeatedly, releasing pheromones to entice the yellowish-brown females.
Where do Ghost moths live and what do their larvae eat?
The Ghost moth is native to much of Europe and is commonly found in open woodlands, grasslands, and gardens. The larvae, often called "swifts," live underground and feed on the roots of various plants, including grasses, bracken, and occasionally agricultural crops.
What family do Ghost moths belong to?
Ghost moths belong to the family Hepialidae, which is part of an ancient lineage of moths. This family is globally distributed and includes other species known for their swift, erratic flight patterns and their lack of functional mouthparts in adulthood.
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