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

Orchard Ermine - Ryszard Szczygieł
Orchard Ermine
Ryszard Szczygieł

Orchard Ermine - Sue Davies
Orchard Ermine
Sue Davies

Orchard Ermine - Ben Sale
Orchard Ermine
Ben Sale

Orchard Ermine - Callum Macgregor
Orchard Ermine
Callum Macgregor

Orchard Ermine - Sue Davies
Orchard Ermine
Sue Davies

Orchard Ermine - Koen Thonissen
Orchard Ermine
Koen Thonissen

Orchard Ermine - Sue Davies
Orchard Ermine
Sue Davies

Orchard Ermine - Koen Thonissen
Orchard Ermine
Koen Thonissen

Orchard Ermine - Koen Thonissen
Orchard Ermine
Koen Thonissen

Orchard Ermine (young caterpillar) - Dave Shenton
Orchard Ermine (young caterpillar)
Dave Shenton

Orchard Ermine (caterpillars) - Patrick Clement
Orchard Ermine (caterpillars)
Patrick Clement

Orchard Ermine (entering pupal stage) - Dave Shenton
Orchard Ermine (entering pupal stage)
Dave Shenton