Ermine-moth
Guides
Ocnerostoma strobivorum
Ocnerostoma strobivorum is a species of ermine moth in the family Yponomeutidae, described by Freeman in 1961. The specific epithet 'strobivorum' indicates an association with conifer cones (strobili), suggesting larval feeding habits. As a member of the genus Ocnerostoma, it belongs to a group of small moths whose larvae often feed on coniferous plants. The species is poorly documented in public literature, with limited biological information available beyond taxonomic records.
Swammerdamia caesiella
Birch Ermel
Swammerdamia caesiella is a small ermine moth in the family Yponomeutidae, commonly known as the Birch Ermel. It has a broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America, where it may have been introduced. The species is bivoltine, with adults active in spring and late summer. Larvae specialize on birch foliage.
Swammerdamia pyrella
Little Ermel, Rufous-tipped Swammerdamia Moth
A small ermine moth (Yponomeutidae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm, distributed across Europe, North America, and Japan. Adults fly in two generations from late April to August. Larvae feed on Rosaceae fruit trees, initially mining leaves then feeding externally while tying leaf edges with silk to form protective 'boats'. The species serves as host to a diverse parasitoid community and is subject to significant natural biological control.
Yponomeuta padella
orchard ermine, cherry ermine
Yponomeuta padella is a small ermine moth native to Europe and parts of Asia, now introduced to North America. Adults are active from July to August and are attracted to light. The species is notable for forming part of a cryptic species complex with Y. malinellus, Y. cagnagella, Y. rorella, and Y. evonymella, requiring genital examination or host plant association for reliable identification. Larvae feed on Prunus and Crataegus species, and the moth has demonstrated invasive potential with documented outbreaks causing significant defoliation in introduced and expanded ranges.
Zelleria celastrusella
Zelleria celastrusella is a species of small ermine moth in the family Yponomeutidae, described by Kearfott in 1903. The species belongs to the genus Zelleria, which comprises small moths often associated with leaf-mining or web-spinning habits. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only five records in iNaturalist as of the source date.