Four-dotted Footman
Common NameFour-dotted Footman
Scientific NameLithosia quadra
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, orange, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens, algae, mosses
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens and algae growing on trees, especially oak, beech, and conifers. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale yellow forewings with bright orange-yellow margins and one or two small black dots on each forewing. The hindwings are uniformly orange-yellow.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pale yellow forewings, often with a greyish tint, bordered by a distinct orange-yellow costa and termen. Males typically have one black spot on each forewing, while females have two.
