When at rest the wings are gently curled flat over the body. The forewings are greenish-grey with a well-defined yellow stripe along the leading edge. The hindwings are a yellow-straw colour which can be noticed during flight.

Can sometimes be seen basking in the sunshine on tree trunks, walls or posts. Frequently comes to light. They overwinter as small larvae so the caterpillars can be seen from August to the following May.

Size and Family

  • Family – Tiger moths, ermines, footman moths and allies (Arctiidae)
  • Small-sized
  • Wingspan Range – 28-34mm

Conservation Status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Lichens and algae on trees, bushes, walls and rocks as well as leaves of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus).

Habitat

Found in most lowland habitats including gardens and farmland, woodlands, wetlands and on the coast.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
  • The most widely distributed of all the footman moth species. Common in England, Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands but rare on the Isle of Man and in Scotland.
Common Footman - Heath McDonald

Common Footman

Common Footman - Heath McDonald

Common Footman

Common Footman - Vlad Proklov

Common Footman

Common Footman - Dave Shenton

Common Footman

Common Footman

Common Footman

Common Footman (caterpillar)

Common Footman (caterpillar)

Common Footman (caterpillar) - bramblejungle (Flickr)

Common Footman (caterpillar)