Water Ermine
Common NameWater Ermine
Scientific NameSpilosoma urticae
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black
HabitatDamp meadows, fens, marshes, riverbanks, wet woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia to Japan
Host Plantsstinging nettle, dock, plantain, willow, dandelion
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy, dark grey to black with reddish-brown hairs, feeding on various herbaceous plants. They overwinter as pupae in a cocoon spun amongst leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pure white wings (often with very few or no black spots), bright orange abdomen with black dorsal spots, and entirely white head and thorax. The lack of yellow on the forewings helps differentiate it from some other ermine moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with pure white, slightly translucent wings, typically adorned with a few small black spots. Its abdomen is bright orange with a row of black spots along the dorsal side, contrasting with its white head and thorax.
