Four-spotted Footman
Common NameFour-spotted Footman
Scientific NameLithosia quadra
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, black, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, often near oak trees
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 tree trunks, particularly oak. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a cocoon in the spring.
Identification TipsFemales are easily identified by the four prominent dark spots on their pale yellow forewings. Males are plainer grey but share the characteristic yellow head and thorax with the females.
Description
The female Four-spotted Footman has pale yellow forewings adorned with four distinct dark blue-black spots, while the male typically has plain grey forewings. Both sexes feature a prominent yellow head and thorax.
