The caterpillar is dark drab covered above with blackish, mouse-coloured plumed hairs; on rings one and eleven the plumose hairs are replaced by short simple ones; the hairs of the side tufts are plain. Head brown, the cheeks outlined in black (adapted from Hellins). Lichens growing upon the stems and branches of trees supply this caterpillar with food, and it seems to nibble on all favourable opportunities throughout the winter. It hatches from the egg in August, and is full grown in May. Boden, writing in September, 1896 (_The Entomologist_) noted that some caterpillars had then attained the perfect state, while others were still feeding, and he adds that the caterpillars actually attacked and ate up the moths. Although there seems to be few records from the Midlands, this species appears to be widely distributed over England as far north as Yorkshire. In Ireland it has been recorded from Claring Bridge and East Galway. The moth is out in July. It is a wood-loving insect, but is also found on heaths, and even in lanes and the borders of fields when plenty of trees occur in such places. It may occasionally be beaten out of trees and bushes in the day time but it is on the wing at dusk, and although it is a high flier, specimens come within reach now and then. Light and sugar both attract it. The species ranges through Central and Northern Europe, and in Asia to Japan. [Illustration] Pl. 96. 1, 1a, 1b. BUFF FOOTMAN: _caterpillar, chrysalis and cocoon_. 2. COMMON FOOTMAN: _caterpillar_. 3. SCARCE FOOTMAN: _caterpillar_. [Illustration] Pl. 97. 1. BUFF FOOTMAN, _male_; 2, 3 _females_. 4. DINGY FOOTMAN. 5. PALE FOOTMAN. 6. COMMON FOOTMAN. 7. SCARCE FOOTMAN. 8. NORTHERN FOOTMAN. {177} THE DEW MOTH (_Endrosa irrorella_). Varies in colour from yellowish buff to creamy white, the colour on the margins always deeper; the rows of black spots on the fore wings are usually well defined, but sometimes those of the two central series are very faint, or quite absent, whilst an unusual number appear in the outer marginal series, Occasionally black scales appear on the veins, connecting the spots, and forming the figures [sideways vee between horizontal bars] more or less distinctly; such forms are known as var. _signata_, Borkh. The moth appears in June and July. (Plate 95, Figs. 7, 9.) When resting, the moth hangs from a blade of grass, or leaf of some plant; it then has a very transparent appearance. Barrett suggests that this gave rise to the English name it now bears, and by which it was known to Haworth and entomologists of his time. Buckler and Hellins describe the caterpillar as blackish-brown above, and dark-reddish grey or purplish grey on the sides; a series of yellow spots along the middle of the back, then a white {178} and yellow interrupted line, followed by a light yellow stripe under the spiracles; raised spots blackish, some white; hairs blackish brown. Head black.