72.046 Scarce Footman Copyright Martin Evans
72.046 Scarce Footman and Hoary Footman Copyright Martin Evans
72.046 Scarce Footman and Common Footman Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.046 Scarce Footman Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.046 Scarce Footman Eilema complana (Linnaeus, 1758)

Local

Northern Footman is a slightly smaller (14 to 17mm), paler form sericea with a darker suffusion near the leading edge to the hindwing.

RDB Northern England and Wales

Similar species: Hoary Footman Eilema caniola is a paler moth that lacks the orange outer edge to the forewing and has a narrower, pale leading edge to the wing. Common Footman Eilema lurideola has a grey top to its head and rests with its wings flat.

Forewing: 15 to 18mm

Habitats: Heathland, moorland, scrubby sand-dunes, woodland, downland, marshes, fens and gardens. f. sericea is found in raised bogs and wet moorland.

Habits: The moth nectars at flowers after dark. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on algae and lichens on rocks, posts, stems, branches and the ground. In captivity it accepts Knotgrass and the withered leaves of sallows, Bramble and Dandelion. It pupates in a cocoon in a crevice or amongst the leaf litter.