
White Ermine
The forewings are a yellowish-buff to whitish-buff colour. The number and size of the black dots on the wings vary but a distinctive diagonal row of elongated spots running from the forewing tip to trailing edge can distinguish it from the White Ermine. A mostly black form has been bred in captivity but is much rarer in the wild.
The hairy larvae can be seen from July to October which then overwinters as pupae among plant debris.
A wide range of herbaceous plants, especially Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) and woody species including Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), Hop (Humulus lupulus) and birches.
Found in most habitats including gardens, hedgerows, parks and woodland.
Buff Ermine - Heath McDonald
Heath McDonald
Buff Ermine - Heath McDonald
Heath McDonald
Buff Ermine - Ben Sale
Ben Sale
Buff Ermine - Bob Eade
Bob Eade
Buff Ermine - Dave Shenton
Dave Shenton
Buff Ermine (young caterpillars) - Patrick Clement
Buff Ermine (young caterpillars) - Patrick Clement
Buff Ermine (caterpillar) - Paul Davis
Paul Davis
Buff Ermine (caterpillar) - Patrick Clement
Patrick Clement
Buff Ermine (spotless) - Tapio Kujala
Tapio Kujala