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Learn about the White Ermine moth and their identification. Get details about their size, their life cycle, the caterpillar and their diet, the pupa and the adult moth.
The White Ermine caterpillar, Spilosoma lubricipedia. The White Ermine caterpillars grow to approximately 40 mm in length, feed on a wide variety of herbaceous plants and are very easy to rear. The colour of the dorsal line of the fully grown caterpillar may be either red, orange or quite pale.
Spilosoma lubricipeda, the white ermine, is a moth of the family Erebidae. It is found throughout the temperate belt of Eurasia from Europe through Kazakhstan and southern Siberia to Amur Region , China , Korea and Japan .
Description. Wingspan 34-48 mm. There is considerable variation in the degree of black speckling and, in certain parts of Scotland, there are forms with a buffish ground colour. Identification difficulty. Habitat. Gardens, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and woodland. When to see it.
White all over with black spots and black antennae, the White Ermine moth is widespread and common throughout Norfolk. Recorded in 67 (91%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1834.
The UKMoths Facebook Page is a great place to post your identification queries. More often than not you'll get a positive ID on most photos fairly quickly.
Description. Wingspan 40mm. The fore-wing is normally white, but may sometimes be buff or even light brown. There are normally a good number of black spots, but these can be joined together in rows or even streaks. Habitat. Woodland, grassland and hedgerows. The larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants including nettle and dock.
