Bug Identifier
Ghost Moth
Community identification

Ghost Moth

Hepialus humuli

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Hepialidae
Size
40 mm to 75 mm wingspan
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Grassy meadows, pastures, and disturbed urban areas where host plants such as grass roots, dock, and nettles are present.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (caterpillars) feed underground on the roots of various grasses and wild plants; adults do not feed and live only long enough to mate.

Behavior Patterns

They exhibit a unique 'hovering' flight pattern during dusk; males often congregate in leks to attract females with their bright white wings. They have a lifecycle that can last up to two years as larvae.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans and not considered a major agricultural pest, though larvae can occasionally damage crop roots. They serve as a food source for bats and birds, contributing to local biodiversity.