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.