Yellow Ermine
Common NameYellow Ermine
Scientific NameSpilosoma lutea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsplantain, dandelion, dock, nettle, bramble, honeysuckle
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy 'woolly bears' that feed on various herbaceous plants, pupating in a cocoon before adults emerge.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive uniform yellow-orange coloration, very fuzzy body, and black legs and antennae; some individuals may have faint black spots on the wings.
Description
A medium-sized, fuzzy moth characterized by its bright yellow to orange-yellow body and wings, with contrasting black legs and antennae.
