Ermine moths

Definition

Small to medium-sized moths in the family Yponomeutidae, named for the striking white or cream forewings marked with black spots that resemble the winter pelage of the stoat (Mustela erminea). Adults typically rest with wings folded roof-like over the body; larvae are often gregarious leaf miners or web-forming feeders on woody plants. The family includes economically significant species such as the apple ermine moth (Yponomeuta malinellus) and the bird-cherry ermine moth (Yponomeuta evonymella), whose larvae can defoliate host trees extensively.

Etymology

From the ermine (stoat), whose white winter fur with black tail tip resembles the moths' spotted white wings.

Example

Bird-cherry ermine moth (Yponomeuta evonymella) larvae spin dense silken webs over entire branches of Prunus padus, skeletonizing leaves and creating conspicuous white shrouds that persist after the caterpillars have pupated.

Synonyms

• ermine moths
• hyponomeutid moths

Related Terms

• Yponomeutidae
• leaf miner
• webworm
• microlepidoptera
• gregarious larvae
• defoliator

Usage Notes

In strict usage, 'ermine moths' refers specifically to Yponomeutidae; the name is sometimes applied more loosely to other white-spotted moths, including some tropical species in family Attevidae (tropical ermine moths), though these are not closely related. The common name emphasizes adult coloration rather than larval biology, which varies considerably among species.