Status
Scarce. Possible recent colonist, occurring as migrants along the coast.
Pale silvery white species, very hard to separate from similar footman. Larger than Pigmy Footman and hindwing is a comparatively clean white compared to Scarce Footman and can also show a weakly marked pale yellow costa on the forewing. The hindwings of both Hoary and Scarce are almost white when worn, and a worn Scarce can be paler and whiter than a fresh Hoary!
Single-brooded in one long generation from summer through to early autumn. Tends to fly later in the year than other similar footmen, however has been recorded from May.
Formerly occupying rocky seaside cliffs and shingle beaches in the South and West, it has now colonised many new inland habitats. A likely future colonist as the range of this moth is spreading rapidly with records in neighbouring Cambs and Suffolk.
We have dissected many claimed Hoary Footman specimens over the years, most determined as other footman, mainly Scarce.
First confirmed Norfolk records of a male specimen trapped at Holme Dunes in 2021 (T. de Clermont, 06/09/21) and first for VC27 at Lower Hellesdon in 2022 (L. King, 06/09/22) Several records in 2023.
Clear photos showing imago at rest and the white hindwings will be required for acceptance of any record. Worn or indeterminate specimens will need dissection to confirm.Verification Grade Comment: If there is any doubt, dissection is required.  | Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required. | |
Recorded in 11 (15%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2021.
Last Recorded in 2024. |