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The White Ermine Moth (Spilosoma lubricipeda) is of the family Erebidae which is in the genus Spilosoma. This common species is found throughout the temperate regions of Eurasia. The adult is white with dark antennae and has black speckling on the forewing. The normal flight season is from mid May to end of July but infrequently there is a second generation later in the autumn. Larval stage is from July to late September. Then a hairy cocoon is formed among plant debris in which the pupal stage remains and emerges the following year as an adult in early summer.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
References and highly recommended reading:
Field guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Paul Waring, Martin Townsend and Richard Lewington
Field guide to the Caterpillars of Great Britain and Ireland by Barry Henwood, Phil Sterling and Richard Lewington
