ExploreInsects

Apple Ermine

Yponomeuta malinellus

The Apple Ermine is a small, fluffy caterpillar that loves to munch on apple leaves. It turns into a beautiful white moth with black spots. You can often find it in gardens and orchards!

Habitat: Gardens and orchards

Appearance

The Apple Ermine moth is small with pure white wings adorned with numerous tiny, evenly spaced black dots, making it look almost polka-dotted. Its body is slender and white. The caterpillar is yellowish-grey with a shiny black head and black spots on its segments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyYponomeutidaeGenusYponomeuta
Apple Ermine
furry trait badgesolitary trait badgeherbivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Apple Ermine

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female moths lay their tiny eggs inside a special protective 'shield' that hardens like glue!

Once, they made so many webs, they completely blanketed trees, looking like snow!

Their caterpillars can totally cover an apple tree in a giant, spooky-looking silk web!

These moths are called 'ermine' because their spotted wings remind people of fancy ermine fur coats!

Special abilities

Ability

Silk Fortress Builders

Apple Ermine caterpillars can spin huge silken webs that protect their entire community from predators and harsh weather.

Ability

Teamwork Tummy Power

Apple Ermine caterpillars eat together in large groups, which helps them strip leaves from trees much faster than eating alone.

Ability

Spotlight Dodgers

The adult moth has pure white wings with tiny black dots, providing camouflage that helps it blend in at night.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
16-20 mm
Size
8-10 mm
Lifespan
42-63 days
Flight Speed
5-10 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
50-200

Diet & Feeding

Apple Ermine caterpillars munch on apple leaves, while adult moths do not eat at all!

Age differences: Caterpillars are voracious leaf- eaters, but adult moths do not feed.

Primary Foods

  • Malus domestica leaves
  • Malus baccata leaves
  • Crataegus leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Apple Tree

Malus domestica

Caterpillars feed on its leaves, causing defoliation.

parasitizes

Ermine Moth Parasitoid Wasp

Ageniaspis fuscicollis

This tiny wasp lays its eggs inside Apple Ermine caterpillars.

eats

Great Tit

Parus major

Great Tits are common birds that prey on Apple Ermine caterpillars.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching plants or insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apple Ermine's wingspan?

16-20 mm

How big is Apple Ermine?

8-10 mm

How long does Apple Ermine live?

42-63 days

How fast can Apple Ermine fly?

5-10 km/h

What does Apple Ermine eat?

Apple Ermine caterpillars munch on apple leaves, while adult moths do not eat at all!

Where is Apple Ermine usually found?

Gardens and orchards

How does Apple Ermine hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Apple Ermine have?

6

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