Streaked Ermine
Common NameStreaked Ermine
Scientific NameSpilosoma pteridis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsgolden-brown, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, grasslands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Russia, China, Japan, Korea)
Host PlantsPlantago, Taraxacum, Rumex
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are hairy caterpillars, often dark with reddish tufts, feeding on various herbaceous plants. They overwinter as pupae in a cocoon.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall golden-brown coloration and the prominent dark streaks along the veins of the forewings. The very hairy body and feathery antennae (especially in males) are also key features.
Description
A medium-sized, very furry moth with a golden-brown body and forewings. The forewings are marked with distinct dark brown longitudinal streaks along the veins.
