Orchard Ermine

A common resident. Forewing is two-toned grey and white, or uniformly grey, with black dots. Very similar in appearance to closely related Ermines and care must be taken with identification.

Can be seen in large numbers both as a caterpillar and adult moth, often coming to light. Also seen in the daytime at rest on the foodplant.

Flight Season

Flies at night from June to August in a single generation.

Size and Family

• Family – Yponomeutinae
• Small Sized
• Wingspan Range – 19-22mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common resident

Caterpillar Food Plants

The caterpillars feed gregariously in a web on and are sometimes a pest of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hawthorn (Crataegus) and Cherry (Prunus spp). The grey webbing can often cover metres of hedgerow where the leaves will be almost entirely defoliated.

Habitat

Can be found almost anywhere where the foodplants occur.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland

• Common resident