Yponomeuta plumbella

Distinguished from congeners by the larger black splotch on the inner rim of the forewing and the black tip marking. Yponomeuta cagnagella and Y. irrorella share the same host plant but differ in wing pattern details. Larval webs are smaller and less conspicuous than those of Y. cagnagella on the same host.

Adults have white forewings with three rows of small black spots, a conspicuous larger black splotch on the middle of the inner rim, and a black marking at the wing tip. Hindwings are greyish. Legs and long antennae are white. Wingspan measures 16–20 mm. First-instar larvae are straw-yellow with black lateral spots and yellow heads; mature caterpillars reach 18–20 mm in length.

Inhabits fields, parks, and woodland areas where European spindle (Euonymus europaeus) occurs. In England, associated with chalk-rich areas. Collection records include Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire and Hartslock Nature Reserve.

Native to most of Europe, extending to Asia Minor. Present in northern, central and eastern Europe, southern Scandinavia, southwest Ireland, and central/southern England and Wales. Introduced to the United States (Massachusetts and Rhode Island), first recorded from Martha's Vineyard in 1949; not spreading from probable introduction sites.

Univoltine: larvae predominantly present April to June, adults active July and August. Some sources suggest partial second generation in some regions, though genome study confirms univoltine cycle.

Larvae feed exclusively on leaves of European spindle (Euonymus europaeus). Early instars burrow into fresh shoots before feeding on leaves within silken webs.

• Euonymus europaeus - obligate larval hostEuropean spindle; larvae feed on leaves and shoots

Eggs laid on twigs and branches in autumn. Larvae overwinter just below empty eggshells, resume development in spring. Five larval instars; caterpillars become gregarious and spin silken webs for protection. Pupation occurs within or near the web. Adults emerge July–August.

Larvae are gregarious, spinning collective silken webs on the food plant that contain relatively few individuals compared to congeners. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Females less attracted to light than males in related species, though specific data for this species is limited.

Herbivorous insect specialized on European spindle. Larval feeding and web-spinning may cause localized defoliation. Serves as research subject for studies on host plant specificity and genome evolution in herbivorous insects.

Minor ornamental pest on European spindle in parks and gardens. Genome sequencing (636.6 Mb assembly) provides genomic resource for studying insect-plant coevolution. Introduced to North America but not considered invasive.

• Yponomeuta cagnagellaShares host plant Euonymus europaeus; distinguished by larger, more conspicuous larval webs and subtle differences in adult wing pattern
• Yponomeuta irrorellaAlso feeds on Euonymus europaeus; differs in forewing spot pattern and lacks the prominent inner rim splotch

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Disholcaspis-plumbella - Entomology Today
• The Insects Behind the Weird Growths on Plants
• Urban Moths Have Evolved to Avoid the Big City Lights
• The genome sequence of the Black-tipped Ermine, Yponomeuta plumbella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775).