FOOTMAN MOTH

any of the insects belonging to the subfamily Lithosiinae of the tiger moth family Arctiidae (order Lepidoptera). The common name footman is probably derived from the stiff, elongate appearance of the adult moths, which usually align their narrow wings (span 2 to 5 cm [ 4/5 to 2 inches]) with the body as if standing at attention. Some species are colourful, although most are drab. The larvae of the footman moth have long, sparse hairs arising from wartlike tubercles; they feed on lichen.