Hantsmoths

Common in hedgerows and scrubland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and sometimes common, especially as larvae. Wingspan 19-22 mm. Reliable identification is best based on the caterpillar's host plant:

• Orchard Ermine Y. padella: various Prunus species (including Prunus spinosa [blackthorn], Prunus domestica [damson]), also Crataegus [hawthorn] and Sorbus;
• Apple Ermine Y. malinellus: Malus domesticus, Malus sylvestris (cultivated and wild apple);
• Spindle Ermine Y. cagnagella: Spindle (Euonymus).

The white form of padella cannot be distinguished from malinellus and cagnagella without knowledge of the caterpillar's host plant. The grey form with grey, partial coloration occurs only in Y. padella; the proportion of the area and the shade of grey can vary greatly. These can be confused with Y. rorrella or Y. sedella.

• padella vs rorrella: the former is usually smaller and has grey patterning across the wing from the costa to the apex (rorrella has a grey longitudinal streak). In front of the dark fringes is a patch of lightening, not necessarily pure white, but noticeably lighter than the gray in the wing or fringes.
• padella vs sedella: the latter has a completely grey forewing and different flight times.

Beware that even the pure white form can be confused due to flash shadows (or poor white balance) can simulate grey patterning.