Willow Ermine
Common NameWillow Ermine
Scientific NameYponomeuta rorrella
FamilyYponomeutidae
SubfamilyYponomeutinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatWetlands, riverbanks, damp areas, and anywhere willow trees are abundant.
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia (e.g., Siberia, Japan)
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and feed communally within silken webs on willow leaves, eventually pupating within these webs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its white, black-spotted forewings and its strong association with willow host plants; careful examination of spot patterns may be needed to differentiate from other *Yponomeuta* species.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its pure white forewings densely covered with small, distinct black spots, and long, filiform antennae.
