
Community identification
Ghost Moth
Hepialus humuli
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Hepialidae
- Size
- 40 mm to 75 mm wingspan
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.