72.046 BF2047

Scarce Footman Eilema complana

(Linnaeus, 1758)

---

Wingspan 28-35 mm.

When pinned cabinet specimens of this species are compared to those of Common Footman (E. lurideola) they appear very similar, but in the field complana holds its wings furled tightly around the body and presents a much different aspect to the flatter appearance of lurideola.

It flies in July and August and tends to inhabit more heathy and moorland habitats, and is distributed in England, mainly in the south and east, and in Wales and Ireland where it is more coastal.

The larvae feed on lichens mostly, but also will eat moss and the leaves of some low plants.