Photo © Dave Green

Orchard Ermine

Yponomeuta padella

Checklist Number
16.002 [B&F: 0425]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Yponomeutidae
Subfamily:Yponomeutinae
Genus:Yponomeuta
Species:padella
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1758)

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. Very difficult to separate from Apple Ermine Y. malinellus, but normally the greyish cilia of the forewing distinguish Orchard Ermine from Apple Ermine, while the grey suffusion in the ground colour of the forewing separates Orchard Ermine from Spindle Ermine Y. cagnagella; Willow Ermine Y. rorrella has a slightly different pattern to the grey suffusion of the forewing (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva feeds on Blackthorn and Hawthorn, living gregariously in communal webs.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)