Spindle Ermine

[bobhelencoan]

Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella):

On the way home from the Hospital we noticed some "white" trees in the central reservation of the A41 between the Hoole roundabout and Vicars Cross lights. We went home to collect sample tub and camera and returned to investigate. There were in fact three patches of bushes covered by white silk. Photos below. The tree photographed was a Spindle tree and larvae hung from the branches on strings or were in clumps in a web. A sample has been collected to breed out. We are fairly sure the larvae are those of the Spindle Ermine (Yponomeuta cagnagella) but could be corrected.

Bob & Helen

[SteveH]

Hi Helen & Bob,

Looks exactly like the bushes on Frodsham Marsh so I'd think you are right. In a month or so you should have some adults.

Amazingly, a little while later the bushes will be resplendent with a completely new set of leaves, as if nothing had ever happened to them.

Cheers,
Steve

[stevehind]

I get a number of records each year of adults of the Yponomeuta padella/malinellus/cagnagella group from light traps, none of which can be considered 100% certain, so it is always pleasing to hear of larval records as these are the only ones possible to verify.

Regards,
Steve