Feathered Footman
Common NameFeathered Footman
Scientific NameSpilosoma lutea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, hedgerows, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, dock, nettle, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bears', typically dark brown with reddish tufts, feeding on a wide variety of low-growing plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon among leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive creamy-yellow forewings with dark longitudinal stripes and the contrasting orange hindwings with a dark terminal band. The antennae are notably feathery, especially in males.
Description
A medium-sized moth with creamy-yellow forewings marked with several dark longitudinal stripes, and orange hindwings featuring a broad dark band along the termen.
