Willow Ermine
Yponomeuta rorrella
This record describes Yponomeuta rorrella (species). Recorded family: Yponomeutidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is one of four Ermine moth species, namely Orchard Ermine (Yponomeuta padella), Apple Ermine (Yponomeuta malinellus), Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella) and Willow Ermine ( Yponomeuta rorrella ) which should now be recorded as Yponomeuta agg. , unless it is made clear that they were recorded as an occupied larval web or reared from the relevant larval foodplant. In areas where willow species are present. The adult moths fly in July and August, and in common with others in the group, are readily attracted to light. A relatively local species, occurring sporadically in much of England, though with an eastern and coastal bias. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Yponomeuta rorrella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yponomeuta rorrella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Yponomeutoidea
- Family
- Yponomeutidae (Ermine Moths)
- Subfamily
- Yponomeutinae
- Tribe
- Yponomeutini
- Genus
- Yponomeuta (Small Ermine Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In areas where willow species are present.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in July and August, and in common with others in the group, are readily attracted to light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A relatively local species, occurring sporadically in much of England, though with an eastern and coastal bias. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Yponomeuta rorrella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Willow Ermine (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Willow Ermine
What is Willow Ermine?
Willow Ermine (Yponomeuta rorrella) is a species in the family Yponomeutidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Willow Ermine found?
Habitat: In areas where willow species are present.
When is Willow Ermine active?
Willow Ermine: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in July and August, and in common with others in the group, are readily attracted to light..