Common Footman

Wingspan 28-35 mm. The forewings are greenish-grey, with a leading yellow stripe, tapering to a point at the tip. The wings are folded flat over the back when at rest. In flight, the yellow hindwings are noticeable, and it looks a much larger moth. Common Footman, Dingy Footman, Scarce Footman and Buff Footman are all similar but can be distinguished by shape and colour - see Identification Aids below. From left to right: Common Footman, Scarce Footman, Dingy Footman, Buff Footman. Of these Common Footman is by far the commonest, and the Buff Footman probably the most scarce. The Dingy Footman shows a wide 'melonseed' shape, so stands out versus Common Footman. Even for a Dingy Footman in the yellower colour form, the shape should help separate from Buff Footman. On the Buff Footman, there is a distinct 'crease' coming from the thorax down the center of the basal part of the forewing, and in the resting posture the back end always looks 'squarer' than on the Common Footman. The Scarce Footman pretty much speaks for itself with its tightly wrapped resting posture. Wherever there are lichens, in gardens, farmland, marshes and woodland. It is on the wing in July and August and frequently comes to light. A widespread species in most of Britain, except in Scotland where it is local. Quite common in the south of its range. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.