Buff Ermine - Spilosoma lutea
Alternative names
Spilosoma luteum
Description
Wingspan 28-40 mm. The variation in the extent of black in the wings has been exaggerated by captive interbreeding, but does not occur as much in the wild.
Identification difficulty

Habitat
Wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, parkland and woodland.
When to see it
On the wing from May to July, it frequently visits artificial light.
Life History
The dark brown caterpillar is covered with reddish-orange hairs, and feeds in Autumn on herbaceous plants, bushes and trees.
UK Status
A common resident in most of Britain.
VC55 Status
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)
Reference
72.019 BF2061
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015