Dingy Footman
Common NameDingy Footman
Scientific NameEilema complana
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsgrey, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens and algae growing on trees, rocks, and walls, overwintering as larvae before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform greyish forewings with a clear yellow costal streak and fringe, and bright yellow hindwings (often visible only in flight or at rest if wings are slightly spread).
Description
A small, slender moth with dull greyish-brown forewings, a prominent yellow costal streak, and a yellow fringe. The head and thorax are also yellow, and the hindwings are bright yellow.
