Photo © David G Green
Dotted Footman
Pelosia muscerda
Checklist Number72.039 [B&F: 2041]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
A rare Red Data Book species, possibly now only breeding in Britain in fens and damp woodland in the Norfolk Broads, but recorded in a number of other locations, where sometimes considered to be a migrant. In Hampshire following a gap of 107 years, 2008 saw two reports in the New Forest, with further scattered reports of presumed migrants from elsewhere in the Forest, and Botley Wood, and the first for the Island in 2018 (and again in 2021). Wingspan 30-34 mm. The most likely confusion species is Small Dotted Footman P. obtusa, which is smaller, has more rounded wings and a very curved median row of black dots from costa to dorsum (MBGBI Vol 9). Larva feeds on various lichens.
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)
VC10 Isle of Wight
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niton (SZ57) | 20/07/2018 | one | Iain Outlaw | Adult |
| Totland (SZ38) | 24/07/2021 | one | Rachel Terry | Adult |
VC11 South Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matley Bog, NF (SU30) | 1888 | one | R Digby | Adult |
| Matley Bog, NF (SU30) | 1891 | - | Anon | - |
| Ladycross Inclosure, NF (SU30) | 26/07/2008 | one | David G Green | Adult |
| Ashurst, NF (SU31) | 26/07/2008 | one | Keith Godfrey | Adult |
| Botley Wood (SU50) | 14/08/2012 | one | Anthony Tindale | Adult |
| Woodlands, NF (SU31) | 24/07/2021 | one | Russell B Wynn | Adult |
