# Dingy Footman (Collita griseola) - Web page: https://www.funwildfacts.com/norden/insect/dingy-footman - Published: 2026-05-30 - Last updated: 2026-05-30 ## Overview The Dingy Footman (Collita griseola) is a subtle yet fascinating moth belonging to the family Erebidae. With a wingspan of 24–32 millimeters, this small moth is easily overlooked, but it plays an important role in the ecosystem. Its wings are grayish with a characteristic paler fascia running across the forewings, giving the moth its discreet appearance. The species occurs throughout the Nordic countries and is relatively common, although rarely noticed due to its nocturnal lifestyle and camouflage-like coloration. This moth lives in various deciduous forest habitats, light coniferous forests, parks, and gardens where lichens grow abundantly. The larvae specialize in eating lichens and algae that grow on tree trunks and branches, making them part of the important ecological chain that breaks down and recycles nutrients. The adult moth is active from May to August, with peak activity during June and July. During the day, it rests well-camouflaged against tree trunks or on lichen- and moss-covered surfaces. The Dingy Footman has adapted well to the Nordic climate and can survive cold winters in the larval or pupal stage. The larvae are grayish-brown with black and white markings and are covered with hair, which provides protection against both predators and cold. They spin small silk cocoons where they pupate, often hidden in bark crevices or under loose bark. The species has one generation per year in the Nordic countries, but in more southern parts of its range, it can have two generations. Despite being a common species, the Dingy Footman is affected by environmental changes, particularly decreased air quality and loss of old trees with rich lichen vegetation. Lichens are sensitive bioindicators that are negatively affected by air pollution, which indirectly affects moths that depend on them for food. Conservation of old forest habitats and reduction of air pollution are therefore important for the species' long-term survival. ## Quick facts - Weight: 0.001–0.003 g - Length: 1.1–1.4 cm - Wingspan: 2.4–3.2 cm - Lifespan: 0.08–0.25 yrs - Diet: Herbivore - Conservation Status: Least Concern ## Habitat The Dingy Footman thrives in various forest environments where lichens grow abundantly on tree trunks and branches. The species prefers older deciduous forests with oak, birch, and aspen, but also occurs in coniferous forests, parklands, and gardens with old trees. Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, so the moth is most common in areas with good air quality. In the Nordic countries, the species is found from southern Sweden up to northern Fennoscandia, although it is most common in the southern and central parts. The larvae's dietary requirements mean that the species depends on environments with abundant lichen vegetation. Old trees with thick trunks and branches covered with various lichen species are particularly valuable. The species can also be found in cultural landscapes where old trees remain along roadsides, in pastures, or in cemeteries. Preservation of old trees and forest areas with natural lichen vegetation is important for the species' continued occurrence. - Forest - Woodland - Heathland - Grassland - Garden ## Seasonal Behavior The adult Dingy Footman flies from May to August, with peak activity during June and July. The moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light sources. After mating, females lay their eggs on bark or lichen where the larvae will feed. The larvae hatch after a few weeks and immediately begin eating lichens. They overwinter as half-grown or fully-grown larvae, well-protected in bark crevices or under loose bark. In spring, they continue feeding and then pupate in May. The pupal stage lasts 2–3 weeks before the adult moth emerges. ## Breeding - Offspring: 30–80 ## Behavior & Ecology - Activity Pattern: Nocturnal - Social Behavior: Dingy Footman are solitary moths that live solitary lives both as larvae and adults. Adult moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light sources. - Migration: Resident - Population: Stable and widespread population throughout the Nordic countries and Europe ## Did you know? - The larvae eat exclusively lichens and algae growing on tree trunks, making them nature's little cleaners! - Adult moths are attracted to light at night, which means they are often found near lamps and windows on summer nights. - Dingy Footman can survive sub-zero temperatures in the larval stage thanks to special antifreeze compounds in their bodies. - The name 'footman' comes from the moth's habit of resting with wings folded flat, resembling a footman's livery. - A female can lay between 30 and 80 eggs during her short lifespan of just a few weeks. - The moth's gray color is not just for camouflage – it also helps regulate body temperature by reflecting heat. - The larvae have small hair-covered warts on their bodies that can cause mild irritation to some predators, protecting them from being eaten. - Dingy Footman is part of the large group of moths called 'footmen', which are now classified in the family Erebidae. ## Taxonomy - Kingdom: Animalia - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Erebidae - Species: Collita griseola ## Image - URL: https://images.djurfakta.com/animals/gra-lavspinnare/1777710231435-1.jpg - License: Attribution ## Other languages - sv: https://www.djurfakta.com/norden/insect/gra-lavspinnare - da: https://www.dyrefakta.com/da/norden/insect/gra-lavugle - no: https://www.dyrefakta.com/norden/insect/gra-lavspinner