Yponomeuta irrorella

Alternative names
Scarce Spindle Ermine
Scarce Ermine
Description

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.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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.

Habitat

Areas where Spindle is present.

When to see it

Adults fly in July and August.

Life History

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

UK Status

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).

VC55 Status

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.

Reference
16.006 BF429

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Scarce Ermine
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Yponomeutidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
05/08/2020 (Gaten, Ted)
Last record:
05/08/2020 (Gaten, Ted)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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