Erebidae

72.032 Speckled Footman Coscinia cribraria bivittata (South, 1900)

RDB England

Coscinia cribraria arenaria (Lempke, 1937)

RDB England, Channel Islands

Similar species: The streaked markings should distinguish this moth from other spotted species such as the Thistle Ermine Myelois circumvoluta, although the streaks can be much reduced or absent.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Open heathland in areas with a medium height sward. Not short or tall and leggy.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed in the day and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Heather, Bilberry and Bristle Bent. In captivity it accepts Dandelion. Pupation takes place in a flimsy cocoon on the foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on plantains and fescues.