Erebidae: Arctiinae

2061 (ABH72.019) Buff Ermine Spilosoma lutea, (Hufnagel, 1766)

KR10566

 Photo © Peter Bissell
Buff Ermine
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Hemingford Grey
Hemingford Grey
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Hemingford Grey 13th June 2015. Male
Hemingford Grey 13th June 2015. Male
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales. 5th July 2021. Light trap.
nr. Llanbedr, NW Wales. 5th July 2021. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, Sept 2014. Final instar.
Hemingford Grey, Sept 2014. Final instar.
 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: 17-22mm.
Foodplant(s): Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.), Common Hop (Humulus lupulus), Wild Plum (Prunus americana), birches (Betula spp.), herbaceous plants
Flying: One generation, mid May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Gardens, hedgerows and woodland.

Regional Information

Recorded in 136 (50.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 18 March to 12 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 28 June to 27 October

Similar Species
 Photo © Peter Bissell
White Ermine Spilosoma lubricipeda
Great Staughton
Great Staughton
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica


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