72.038 BF2040

Four-dotted Footman Cybosia mesomella

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan 25-33 mm.

When at rest, this moth appears to show only three dots - one being hidden by the overlapping wings. Occasional specimens have a more yellowish ground colour to the forewings.

Inhabiting heaths and open woodland, the adults fly from dusk onwards during the period from June to August. They can also be disturbed from low vegetation such as heather during the day.

Commonest in the south of England and Wales, it can also be found locally in the rest of mainland Britain to parts of Scotland. There is only a single record for Ireland.