Bug Identifier
White ermine moth
Community identification

White ermine moth

Spilosoma lubricipeda

Order & Family
Lepidoptera; family Erebidae (subfamily Arctiinae)
Size
Adult wingspan is typically 30–42 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, grasslands, woodland edges, hedgerows, and other vegetation-rich habitats across much of Europe and parts of temperate Asia.

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. Adults primarily drink nectar and may feed little or not at all.

Behavior Patterns

Mostly nocturnal and attracted to lights; adults fly from late spring through summer. Hairy larvae are often active openly on foliage and overwinter as pupae or larvae, depending on climate.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people and not a significant household pest. Larvae contribute to food webs, while adults pollinate flowers; locally abundant caterpillars can cause minor leaf damage.