Photo © David G Green

Dotted Footman

Pelosia muscerda

Checklist Number
72.039 [B&F: 2041]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Arctiinae
Genus:Pelosia
Species:muscerda
Authority:(Hufnagel, 1766)

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)

No Larval records to show.

VC10 Isle of Wight

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Niton (SZ57)20/07/2018oneIain OutlawAdult
Totland (SZ38)24/07/2021oneRachel TerryAdult

VC11 South Hampshire

Site Date Quantity Recorder Stage
Matley Bog, NF (SU30)1888oneR DigbyAdult
Matley Bog, NF (SU30)1891-Anon-
Ladycross Inclosure, NF (SU30)26/07/2008oneDavid G GreenAdult
Ashurst, NF (SU31)26/07/2008oneKeith GodfreyAdult
Botley Wood (SU50)14/08/2012oneTony TindaleAdult
Woodlands, NF (SU31)24/07/2021oneRussell B WynnAdult