Speckled Grey Footman
Common NameSpeckled Grey Footman
Scientific NameCoscinia cribraria
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, black
HabitatHeathland, dry grasslands, sandy areas, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsheather, plantain, hawkweeds, dandelion, various grasses
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are hairy and dark, feeding on low-growing plants. They overwinter as larvae, pupating in a cocoon near the ground in spring, with adults emerging in the summer months.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its creamy white wings adorned with numerous black spots and prominent wavy black lines across the forewings. Males possess distinctive feathery (pectinate) antennae.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with creamy white forewings heavily marked with numerous black spots and distinct wavy black transverse lines. The hindwings are typically plain white or cream.
