Hoary Footman
Eilema caniola
This record describes Eilema caniola (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 28 to 35 mm. Paler and greyer than similarly patterned 'footmen'. Very similar to Scarce Footman (E. complana), but hindwing very pale yellowish grey (ochreous yellow in Scarce Footman), a feature which is difficult to see on live specimens. In coastal regions they favour areas of rocky seaside cliffs and shingle beaches. The normal flight period is between July and September, and the adults are attracted to light. The larvae feed on lichens growing on rocks. The range of this moth is more or less restricted to the south-west coasts of England and Wales, although occasional specimens do turn up further east along the coast, and sometimes inland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Eilema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In coastal regions they favour areas of rocky seaside cliffs and shingle beaches.
Seasonal Activity
The normal flight period is between July and September, and the adults are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on lichens growing on rocks.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The range of this moth is more or less restricted to the south-west coasts of England and Wales, although occasional specimens do turn up further east along the coast, and sometimes inland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Eilema caniola. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoary Footman
What is Hoary Footman?
Hoary Footman (Eilema caniola) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Hoary Footman found?
Habitat: In coastal regions they favour areas of rocky seaside cliffs and shingle beaches.
When is Hoary Footman active?
Hoary Footman: seasonal activity - The normal flight period is between July and September, and the adults are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Hoary Footman?
The larvae feed on lichens growing on rocks.