Common Footman

Eilema lurideola

Widespread & common in Britain, except in Scotland where it's local.

Larva dark lilac grey with black dorsal line and black head, bearing black and yellow hairs; subdorsal lines black, stigma-line orange. 

The Larvae feeds on various Lichens.

The species overwinters as a Larva, hibernating, until the end of May.

Forewing broadened towards the outer margin, bright glossy lead grey with broad, regular, light yellow costal band, somewhat dulled at the apex, and pure yellow fringes; hindwing, head and neck and anal tuft of male ivory yellow.

Adults fly in a single generation during July & August.

This Moth flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light and nectar-rich flowers.