Higher classification Spiris Order Butterflies and moths | Genus Spiris Rank Species | |
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Similar Butterflies and moths, Coscinia cribraria, Coscinia, Atolmis rubricollis, Diacrisia sannio | ||
Description
This very distinctive moth has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Forewings are usually yellow or light yellow, with narrow longitudinal dark brown stripse in males, while in females the striations may be missing or restricted to the outer parts. Also hind wings are yellow, but they are darker and much wider than forewings and show a dark brown edge. The antennae of the males are pinnate. The caterpillars are hairy and black, with bright spots on the sides and a reddish-brown stripe on the back. The moths are diurnal and they fly May to August depending on the location.
The larvae feed on low vegetation and grasses, such as Silver grass (Corynephorus spec.), Fescue (Festuca spp.), Heather (Calluna spp.), Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis), Hawkweed (Hieracium spp.) and Mugwort (Artemisia spp.).
Distribution and habitat
This species can bes found in Europe, Anatolia, Kazakhstan, Siberia and Mongolia (excluding eastern regions). The feathered footman prefers sunny, sandy, open areas with grass and herbaceous plants, rarely calcareous grasslands.