Shaded Fan-foot
Common NameShaded Fan-foot
Scientific NameHerminia tarsicrinalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, brown, yellow
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, parks
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsoak, beech, hawthorn, honeysuckle, various deciduous trees and shrubs (feeding on fallen leaves)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae feed primarily on fallen leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, acting as detritivores. They overwinter as larvae before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its pale, often yellowish-brown ground color, the distinct wavy transverse lines across the forewings, and its relatively long, forward-projecting palps (though not clearly visible in this dorsal view). It often rests with its wings held in a triangular shape.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with pale yellowish-brown or ochreous forewings marked with several wavy, darker brown transverse lines. Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage against dead leaves.
