Photo © Mike Wall

Four-spotted Footman

Lithosia quadra

Checklist Number
72.041 [B&F: 2051]

Verification
Record will normally be accepted but photo evidence may be required - check with CMR if not sure of identity

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Arctiinae
Genus:Lithosia
Species:quadra
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

Local in broad-leaved woodland in southern England and western Wales, sporadically as far north as Ross-shire and the Isle of Man. It is probable that the population is from time to time reinforced by immigration. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight resident at low density in the New Forest and an uncommon, presumed, immigrant elsewhere. The individual pictured here was taken in the Isles of Scilly, where it is much more frequent. Wingspan male 35-40 mm, female 40-55 mm. Although only the female has spots, the large size precludes confusion with other Lithosiinae. The unspotted male is much more common to light then the female. Larva feeds on lichens growing on oak trees.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)