White Ermine - Spilosoma lubricipeda

Wingspan 34-48 mm. There is considerable variation in the degree of black speckling and, in certain parts of Scotland, there are forms with a buffish ground colour.

Gardens, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and woodland.

It generally flies from May to July and sometimes later in the south.

The hairy larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants.

Widely distributed and fairly common over much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)