Buff Footman - Eilema depressa

Wingspan 28 to 36 mm. The male forewing is greyish white with a faint yellow stripe along the basal third of the leading edge. There is an orange yellow fringe on both wings. In the slightly larger female the forewing is usually brownish grey with a distinct orange stripe along the leading edge and the hindwing is grey. There is also an orange yellow form (f. Unicolor). There are a number of similar species in this genus.

Common Footman, Dingy Footman, Scarce Footman and Buff Footman are all similar but can be distinguished by shape and colour - see Identification Aids below.

Occupying woodland, scrubland and chalky downland.

It flies in July and August, and can be found resting by day among the branches of various trees and bushes.

The larvae feed on lichens and algae growing on trees, especially yew.

This species is locally common in the south of England and Wales, and south-west Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).