Erebidae: Arctiinae

2051 (ABH72.041) Four-spotted Footman Lithosia quadra, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR10485

Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
Male, Freudenstadt, Germany, August 2013
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Chuchuligovo, Bulgaria, June 2006
Chuchuligovo, Bulgaria, June 2006
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Only the females of this species have the spots and often there appears to be only three, as the wings overlap when at rest.

 

Pupates in a crevice.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: M 18-22mm. F 20-26mm.
Foodplant(s): Dog Lichen (Peltigera canina), lichen, algae
Flying: One generation, July-September
UK Presence: Resident and Immigrant
National status: Nationally Scarce A

Habitat

Broadleaved woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 11 (4.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in October 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 13 June to 09 October


Nationally Scarce A

Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Black, yellow, white, orange, grey
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5