A micro-moth family, sometimes called Silk Moths, is the Ermine Moths (Yponomeutidae). The caterpillars make a silk cocoon around their habitat. In some species, these can be massive spins, so trees or shrubs are quite covered and bare any leaves. The caterpillars feed on the fresh leaves of the tree. In Europe, there are about 60 different species, and in the Netherlands, about 10 to 20. In most species, the moths keep their wings in the resting position like a roof over their bodies.
Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Paraswammerdamia
Hawthorn Ermine – 2021 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 1.448911)
For the Hawthorn Ermine (Paraswammerdamia nebulella), a comparison with similar species was necessary to establish the correctness of the species. This moth is very similar to the Birch Ermine (Swammerdamia casiella). Still, the head of the Hawthorn Ermine is whiter, and halfway through the front wing, a dark grey median band can be seen, which is less broad in the Birch Ermine and does not reach the leading edge. At the wing base near the leading edge, the Hawthorn Ermine has a row of black dots missing from the Birch Ermine. A genital examination is essential in the case of less clearly marked specimens. The wingspan is 11-14mm, and the flight period is one generation from May to August. Host plant: Hawthorn. Dutch name: Meidoornduifmot. Frisian name: –
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Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Swammerdamia
Birch Ermine – 2019 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 572902)
What you do not expect immediately is that the Birch Ermine (Swammerdamia caesiella), given its appearance, belongs to the ermine moth family. This grey moth was in my moth trap, and I put it outside on the patio on a calm and dry night. The head is whitish or brownish, and the thorax is grey. The forewing is pale grey, speckled black and white, with a white or pale grey patch at the costa close to the apex. The flying period is two generations, from May to June and from July to August, and the wingspan is 9-13mm. Host plant: Birch. Dutch name: Egale duifmot. Frisian name: –
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Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Yponomeuta
Apple Ermine – 2017 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 33466)
A reasonably common ermine moth is the Apple Ermine (Yponomeuta malinellus). You can encounter this moth, especially near apple trees. The wings are white, often with grey pollination, with numerous black spots slightly larger than the other species. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the ermine moths from each other. A characteristic of the Apple Ermine is the black spots aligned near the apex. They are also more sharply drawn than the different species. The hindwing is grey-brown. The flying period is from mid-June to mid-August in one generation, and the wingspan is 20-23mm. Host plant: Apple. Dutch name: Appelstippelmot. Frisian name: –
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Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Yponomeuta
Bird-cherry Ermine – 2017 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 2.567737)
A widespread ermine moth is the Bird-cherry Ermine (Yponomeuta evonymella). The forewing is uniformly white with black dots in much higher numbers than all other Yponomeuta species. The black dots can be seen in five rows. The flying period in one generation is from June to September, and the wingspan is 19-25mm. Host plant: Bird-cherry, Sweet Cherry, and Plum. Dutch name: Vogelkersstippelmot. Frisian name: –
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Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Yponomeuta
Orchard Ermine – 2018 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 2.567738)
Another difficult-to-distinguish ermine moth is the Orchard Ermine (Yponomeuta padella). The forewing is bi-coloured grey and white or completely light grey with black dots. Labelling all grey specimens as the Orchard Ermine is probably the best option. The grey-white form of the Orchard Ermine and the Apple Ermine are almost indistinguishable, and one should focus on the caterpillars. Even then, it is questionable. The flying period in one generation is from June to August, and the wingspan is 12-13mm. Host plant: Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Dutch name: Meidoornstippelmot. Frisian name: –
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Subfamily: Yponomeutinae
Genus: Yponomeuta
Willow Ermine – 2018 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 263928)
A slightly easier-to-identify ermine moth is the Willow Ermine (Yponomeuta rorellus). The forewing is long and narrow and is two-tone grey and white. The black dots are generally smaller than with other ermine moths. A black or dark grey smear can be seen in the centre of the forewing, and the dorsum is dark grey. The flying period is from July to September in one generation, and the wingspan is 19-24mm. Host plant: Willow. Dutch name: Wilgenstippelmot. Frisian name: –
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