Pigmy Footman
Common NamePigmy Footman
Scientific NameEilema pygmaeola
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspale yellow, cream
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, coastal dunes, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are dark with yellow markings and feed on lichens and algae on rocks, trees, or low vegetation. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a silken cocoon near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include its exceptionally small size for a footman moth, uniformly pale yellowish-cream coloration without distinct markings, and slender body. It can be distinguished from similar species by its size and subtle wing shape.
Description
A very small, slender moth with uniformly pale yellowish-cream forewings and paler hindwings, often resting with wings folded flat over its body.
