Scarce Footman - Eilema complana

Wingspan 28-35 mm. Similar to the Common Footman (E. Lurideola) in appearance but holds its wings furled tightly around the body and presents a much slimmer outline than the flatter appearance of E. lurideola.

Common Footman, Dingy Footman, Scarce Footman and Buff Footman are all similar but can be distinguished by shape and colour - see Identification Aids below; c.f. Hoary Footman - Eilema caniola. 

Tends to inhabit more heathy and moorland habitats.

It flies in July and August.

The larvae feed on lichens mostly but also will eat moss and the leaves of some low plants.

It is distributed in England, mainly in the south and east, and in Wales and Ireland where it is more coastal. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)