Dotted Footman
Common NameDotted Footman
Scientific NamePelosia muscerda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyLithosiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, black
HabitatDamp woodlands, fens, marshes, heathland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodJuly to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens and algae growing on trees, rocks, or moss. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, delicate build, uniform pale yellow wings, and the characteristic scattering of small black dots, usually one or two prominent ones on the forewing.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale yellow or cream-colored wings, typically marked with a few small, distinct black dots.
