description Water Ermine Moth Overview
Water Ermine, Spilosoma urticae, is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It is associated with wet habitats such as marshes and fenland, and its larvae feed on herbaceous food plants recorded for the species. The moth is primarily of interest to naturalists and lepidopterists studying European and Asian moth fauna, where it can be distinguished from related ermine moths by its species-level characters rather than by the common name alone.
help Water Ermine Moth FAQ
What is the scientific name of the Water Ermine moth?
The Water Ermine is Spilosoma urticae, a tiger moth in the family Erebidae. It is associated with wet habitats such as fens, marshes, and wet grassland.
Where should I look for Water Ermine moths?
Look in marshes, fens, wetlands, and other areas with damp herb-rich vegetation. In Britain, the species is especially tied to wet grassland habitats.
What do Water Ermine caterpillars eat?
The larvae feed on herbaceous marsh plants, including water dock, water mint, yellow loosestrife, and yellow iris. Marsh ragwort, common ragwort, bedstraws, and louseworts are also recorded food plants.
How can I recognize a Water Ermine?
Water Ermine is a white tiger moth marked with dark spots, and its scientific name is Spilosoma urticae. Habitat is also a useful clue because the species is strongly linked with wetland vegetation.
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