# Orange Swift (*Triodia sylvina*) The Orange Swift is a bright and colorful butterfly that flutters around in sunny places. Its beautiful orange wings make it easy to spot as it dances from flower to flower. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Orange Swift](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/%28MHNT%29_Triodia_sylvina_-_St_Foy_d'Aigrefeuille_-_France_-_male.jpg&width=800) Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%28MHNT%29_Triodia_sylvina_-_St_Foy_d'Aigrefeuille_-_France_-_male.jpg) ## Appearance The Orange Swift is a medium-sized moth notable for its bright orange forewings, often marked with distinctive silvery-white streaks or blotches. Its hindwings are typically a duller orange or brownish hue. This striking color pattern makes it easily distinguishable from most other moths. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Hepialidae - **Genus:** Triodia ## Interesting facts - Did you know its caterpillar lives hidden underground for up to two years before transforming? - Male Orange Swifts perform a special 'lek' flight display to attract females! - Their vibrant orange and silver wings make them look like tiny, flying jewels at dusk! - Unlike many moths, the Orange Swift is often seen flying rapidly during twilight hours! ## Special abilities - **Root Hideout:** Orange Swift larvae can live safely hidden underground for up to two years, feeding on plant roots because of their subterranean lifestyle. - **Dusk Navigator:** Orange Swifts can expertly navigate and find nectar-rich flowers at dusk, using their keen senses to locate food sources in low light. - **Swift Evasion:** The Orange Swift has an incredibly fast and erratic flight pattern that helps them dodge predators and escape danger quickly. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 28-44 mm - **Size:** 15-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 372-744 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Larvae eat plant roots underground, while adult moths enjoy sipping nectar from flowers. - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on plant roots underground; adults drink nectar from flowers. - **Primary Foods:** Docks (roots), Plantains (roots), Grasses (roots), Flower nectar - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Curled Dock](https://www.snappit.app/explore/curled-dock) (*Rumex crispus*) — Larvae consume roots of this common plant. - **Pollinates:** [Creeping Thistle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — Transfers pollen when visiting flowers for nectar. - **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Adult moths are a food source for birds. - **Eaten by:** [Common Shrew](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-shrew) (*Sorex araneus*) — Shrews may find and eat larvae in soil. ## Traits - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Orange Swift? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Orange Swift's wingspan? 28-44 mm ### How big is Orange Swift? 15-25 mm ### How long does Orange Swift live? 372-744 days ### How fast can Orange Swift fly? 15 km/h ### What does Orange Swift eat? Larvae eat plant roots underground, while adult moths enjoy sipping nectar from flowers. ### Where is Orange Swift usually found? Grasslands ### How does Orange Swift hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Orange Swift: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/orange-swift)