72.038 Four-dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans
72.038 Four-dotted Footman orange f. Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.038 Four-dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.038 Four-dotted Footman Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus, 1758)

Local

Similar species: Neither of the two forms of this moth are likely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Open woodland, fens, marshy grassland, heathland and moorland.

Habits: The moth is often disturbed during the day. It flies from sunset and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on algae and lichens on Heather, sallows and other plants. In captivity after hibernation, it accepts leaves of sallow, Bramble, Dandelion and Heather. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Bog Bilberry and flapworts Jungermannia ssp.