Common Footman
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
| Common Footman | ||||||||||||||
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| Eilema lurideola Zincken, 1817 |
The Common Footman (Eilema lurideola) is a moth of the family Arctiidae. It is distributed throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East.
This species has a wingspan of 31-38 mm. The forewings are grey with a yellowish-buff streak along the costa. The hindwings are a uniform cream colour. Like other footmen, it rests with its wings wrapped around its body (The common name footman comes from a supposed resemblance to the uniform of such a servant). This moth flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light and nectar-rich flowers.
The larva is grey and hairy, with black lines down the back and an orange line down each side. It feeds on various lichens. The species overwinters as a larva.
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References
- Chinery, Michael Collins Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe 1986 (Reprinted 1991)
- Skinner, Bernard Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles 1984
