Ermine Moth
The family Yponomeutidae are known as the ermine moths, with several hundred species, most of them in the tropics. The larvae tend to form communal webs, and some are minor pests in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. Some of the adults are very attractive. Adult moths are minor pollinators.
There are five or six subfamilies. Some authors also include the closely related Plutellidae as yet another subfamily:
- Argyresthiinae
- Attevinae
- Praydinae
- Saridoscelinae
- Scythropiinae (sometimes in Yponomeutinae)
- Yponomeutinae
Species include:
- Ailanthus webworm, Atteva aurea
- Spindle Ermine, Yponomeuta cagnagellus.
- Bird-cherry Ermine, Yponomeuta evonymellus.
- Orchard Ermine, Yponomeuta padellus.
- Yponomeuta plumbella.
- Apple Ermine Yponomeuta malinellus
Read more about Ermine Moth: Etymology
Famous quotes containing the words ermine and/or moth:
“The ermine muffled mouth and chin;
I could not suck the moonlight in.”
—Elinor Wylie (1885–1928)
“Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 25:20.