Cherry Ermine
Common NameCherry Ermine
Scientific NameYponomeuta padella
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilyYponomeutinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOrchards, gardens, hedgerows, woodlands, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsPrunus padus, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Malus domestica
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and spin large, communal silk webs on their host plants, often defoliating entire branches. Pupation occurs within these silken webs.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pure white forewings with scattered black spots. It can be distinguished from similar ermine moths by the specific arrangement and number of spots, and its association with cherry, plum, and hawthorn host plants.
Description
A small, slender moth with pure white forewings covered in numerous small, distinct black spots, and a white head and thorax.
