British caterpillars: Buff Ermine

with No Comments
This caterpillar was racing across the paving in our garden in Falmouth at the weekend.

It’s not always easy to identify caterpillars but this has some distinctive markings and was in very good light which helps, even though it was moving at speed!

It’s a final instar larva of the Buff Ermine moth.

Insight into Buff Ermine (Spilosoma luteum): the larvae feed in autumn on a variety of plants. In its final instar it measures approximately 40mm, has a dark grey body, paler grey dorsal lines and a light brown head.

It will overwinter as a cocooned pupa.

Leave a Reply