72.040 Small Dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans
72.040 Small Dotted Footman and Dotted Footman Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.040 Small Dotted Footma Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.040 Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851)

RDB / possible Immigrant

Similar species: Dotted Footman Pelosia muscerda is paler and on average larger (13 to 16mm) with a proportionally narrower wing.

Forewing: 12 to 14mm

Habitats: Old overgrown reedbeds with shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Habits: The female is occasionally found at rest on reeds at night. The male comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva probably feeds on algae and lichens on reeds and plant litter. In captivity it accepts green algae Desmococcus spp. on bark. It pupates in a grey double cocoon.