Red-necked Footman - further observations

Some interesting records of Red-necked Footman this morning on the edge of the moors. Whilst out with Roger and Ken we counted at least 10 Red-necked Footman along Flash Lane on low grasses and in flight, there must have been many more as we were not carefully searching for them.
As I have mentioned previously the Red-necked Footman although increasing in numbers is still fairly scarce in Derbyshire, see the national distribution map below and was not recorded annually prior to 2010 which is the last annual report from the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Entomological Society.
Red-necked Footman have been recorded in widespread locations in the south of the country as part of a widespread immigration of moths from the continent as far north as Northamptonshire in recent weeks but it looks more likely that these are local insects having a good breeding season rather than immigrants. 

Red-necked Footman (c.Ken Smith)

Red-necked Footman distribution c. NBN Gateway

Red-necked Footman - Flash Lane

Ken came across this Red-necked Footman today on Flash Lane. This is another scarce moth which appears to be moving in to the area. Like the Orange Footman it feeds on lichen growing on oaks Beech and Larch so these two species have similar habitat requirements.

Red-necked Footman (c. Ken Smith)

Red-necked Footman

Red-necked Footman