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ermine moth
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A white ermine moth, Yponomeuta, with black spots on its wings, rests on a rough brown surface.
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ermine moth
ermine moth Ermine moth (Yponomeuta).

ermine moth

insect
Also known as: Yponomeutidae
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

ermine moth, any of several species of insects belonging to the family Yponomeutidae (order Lepidoptera). Ermine moths are widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. The hairy caterpillars feed on dandelions and other weeds, cultivated shrubs, and trees, particularly fruit trees. Ermine moths have a wingspan of 3 cm (1.2 inches). Adult females have brilliant white or cream-coloured wings with dark fleck marks and possess a fluffy thorax and abdomen, resembling a stoat’s winter ermine coat, hence the common name.