American Ermine Moth
Common NameAmerican Ermine Moth
Scientific NameYponomeuta multipunctella
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilyYponomeutinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, suburban areas, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and Canada)
Host PlantsEuonymus spp., Celastrus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious, feeding communally within silken webs they spin over their host plants. Pupation occurs in cocoons, often within the web.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pure white forewings with many small, evenly distributed black spots. Other ermine moths may have fewer or differently arranged spots.
Description
A small moth with pristine white forewings densely covered in numerous small, distinct black spots. Its body is also white and somewhat fluffy.
