Thistle Ermine
Common NameThistle Ermine
Scientific NameMyelopsis cribrella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathlands, waste ground, and other areas with thistles.
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America.
Host PlantsCirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Centaurea
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are stem-borers, feeding internally on the stems and roots of thistles. They overwinter as larvae and pupate within the host plant stem in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of pure white forewings with numerous scattered black spots, which differentiates it from other ermine moths that often have more linear or clustered markings.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its pure white forewings densely covered with small, irregular black spots, and plain grey hindwings.
