Erebidae: Arctiinae

2060 (ABH72.020) White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR10567

 Photo © Peter Bissell
White Ermine
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood
Monks Wood
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey, 10th June 2021. Gravid female
Hemingford Grey, 10th June 2021. Gravid female
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 10-05-2025. Light trap. Male: defensive posture.
Whitelye, Monmouthshire, 10-05-2025. Light trap. Male: defensive posture.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

Pupates in leaf litter.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 18-23mm.
Foodplant(s): nettles (Urtica spp.), docks (Rumex spp.), herbaceous plants
Flying: One/two generations, mid May-late July and September-October
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Gardens, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and open woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 140 (51.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2025

Recorded date range (Adult): 20 April to 17 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 31 May to 18 October

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea
Bulgaria, 12th July 2012
Bulgaria, 12th July 2012
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Water Ermine Spilosoma urticae
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Black, brown, orange
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5