Water Ermine Spilosoma urticae - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

72.021 BF2062

Water Ermine Spilosoma urticae

Wingspan 38-46 mm.

A scarce and local species, occurring mainly in the south-east of England and occupying damp fenland localities.

There are similar forms of the White Ermine which have very few black spots, but the present species never shows a black discal spot on the hindwing.

It flies in June and July and will visit the light-trap.

The larvae feed on a number of marshland plants such as water dock (Rumex hydrolapathum) and water mint (Mentha aquatica).