Description
The orange swift flies in one brood per year. Males
are orange-brown while females are more brown in color. Females
attract males with their scent. Hibernates as caterpillar, near the roots of the host plant.
Pupation takes place in the ground.
Size
35 to 50 mm wingspan.
Habitat
Roadsides, forest edges, rough grassland and gardens.
Food plants
The caterpillars feed on the roots of Rumex obtusifolius (bitter dock), Plantago (plantain), Malva sylvestris (common mallow) and
Verbascum Blattaria (moth mullein).
Flight season
From July to September.
Distribution
Throughout Europe to the Urals.