Muslin Footman
Nudaria mundana
This record describes Nudaria mundana (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 19 to 23 mm. This is a delicate species with slightly rounded, strongly transparent wings that have two, roughly V shaped cross lines. The hindwing is entirely plain. It can be found on the wing from June to August. The overwintering larvae feed on lichens growing on bushes, fences and gateposts, and dry stone walls. Occurs in scattered localities throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Nudaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequenting a range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found on the wing from June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The overwintering larvae feed on lichens growing on bushes, fences and gateposts, and dry stone walls.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurs in scattered localities throughout much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Nudaria mundana. 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.
Photos of Muslin Footman (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Muslin Footman
What is Muslin Footman?
Muslin Footman (Nudaria mundana) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Muslin Footman found?
Habitat: Frequenting a range of habitats.
When is Muslin Footman active?
Muslin Footman: seasonal activity - It can be found on the wing from June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Muslin Footman?
The overwintering larvae feed on lichens growing on bushes, fences and gateposts, and dry stone walls.