Photo © Mike Wall

Buff Ermine

Spilosoma lutea

Checklist Number
72.019 [B&F: 2061]

Verification
Record will be accepted (subject to date and location checks)

Classification

Family:Erebidae
Subfamily:Arctiinae
Genus:Spilosoma
Species:lutea
Authority:(Hufnagel, 1766)

Common in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, parkland and woodland throughout England and southern Scotland, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-42 mm. The females much darker than the males. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, Honeysuckle, Hop and Wild Plum, over-wintering as a pupa.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)