White Ermine
Common NameWhite Ermine
Scientific NameSpilosoma lubricipeda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)41
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, woodlands, grasslands, and other open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia, and parts of North Africa
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, nettle, dock, honeysuckle, various shrubs and trees
Flight PeriodMay to July (sometimes a partial second generation in warmer areas)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches, hatching into hairy, dark 'woolly bear' caterpillars that feed on various low-growing plants. They pupate in a silken cocoon mixed with hairs, typically at ground level.
Identification TipsKey features include the pure white base color with numerous black spots on both forewings and hindwings (though hindwing spots can be fewer). The furry white body and black antennae are also characteristic. Can be confused with the Water Ermine (*Spilosoma urticae*), which has fewer spots and a more yellowish abdomen.
Description
This is a medium-sized, fluffy moth characterized by its pure white wings heavily speckled with small black spots. Its body is also densely covered in white fur.
