Hoary Footman - Eilema caniola

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.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records, although some specimens may have been wrongly recorded as Scarce Footman in the past. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).