72.039 Dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans
72.039 Dotted Footman and Small Dotted FootmanDotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.039 Dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.039 Dotted Footman Pelosia muscerda (Hufnagel, 1766)

RDB / suspected Immigrant

Similar species: Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa is slightly darker and on average smaller (12 to 14mm) with a proportionally broader wing.

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Sallow and Alder carr in wet fenland and broads.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and at dawn. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on algae and lichens on sallows and plant litter and also withered leaves of sallows and Bramble. It pupates in a double cocoon.

On the European mainland it has been recorded feeding on shield lichens Parmelia ssp.