72.019 Buff Ermine Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine female Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine female Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine and White Ermine Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine larva 19mm Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine larva 24mm Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine larva 27mm Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine larva 38mm Copyright Martin Evans
72.019 Buff Ermine cocoon 22mm Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 72.019 Buff Ermine Copyright Martin Evans

Erebidae

72.019 Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea (Hufnagel, 1766)

Common

Similar species: White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda is usually white rather than cream and more spotted across the forewing.

Forewing: 17 to 22mm

Habitats: Woodland, parkland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth comes to light

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Common Nettle, Honeysuckle, Hop, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Wild Plum, Barberry and many other shrubs. In captivity it will accept sallows, Blackthorn and Bramble. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Elder, Dogwood, Bramble, plantains and Sorrel.