Yponomeuta irrorella

Wingspan about 22 mm. Quite similar to other members of the Ermine family but identifiable, with care, by the patch of greyish suffusion in the centre of the forewing.

Because this species is scarce in our region, a photo is required and the specimen should be retained in case it is required by the County Recorder.

Areas where Spindle is present.

Adults fly in July and August.

The larvae feed on spindle (Euonymus europaeus) in a silken web, but unlike some other Yponomeuta species, are not so gregarious.

A scarce and local species, occurring mainly in southern and south-eastern England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as pRDB 2 (Occurs in 6 to 10 10km squares).

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Thurlaston record of 5th August 2020 may be the first record of this species in VC55 for over 100 years.