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The Hepialidae are a family of moths with about 500 species recorded worldwide. Most species display strong sexual dimorphism with the males generally being smaller but more boldly marked than the females. Moths of this family are often referred to as swifts.
The family is considered to be primitive with a number of structural differences to other moths including very short antennae and lack of a proboscis or frenulum.
The larvae are also unusual for Lepidoptera in that they feed underground on the roots of various plants. They more resemble the maggots of Diptera than other moth or butterfly larvae. The female does not lay its eggs in a specific location but scatters the eggs while in flight (broadcasting).
There are 5 species found in the UK:
- Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli)
- Orange Swift (Hepialus sylvina)
- Gold Swift (Hepialus hecta)
- Common Swift (Hepialus lupulinus)
- Map-winged Swift (Hepialus fusconebulosa)
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