Apple Ermine Caterpillar Yponomeuta malinellus

The Apple Ermine moth looks similar to the Spindle, Orchard and Bird Cherry Ermine moths, and the caterpillar also resembles the larvae of these related species.

As the larvae change appearance during their development (from dark grey to yellowish and with larger spots), the main way to identify them is by the leaves they are eating in their webs on the tree.

The Apple Ermine moth is native to Europe and Asia but has been spread to North America. The early larvae are leaf miners of apple and later spin communal webs among the leaves, around May and early June in the UK. They grow to some 20-25mm (up to 1 inch) long. Pupae are neatly strung together under the leaves. (After pupating, the adult moths fly in July and August.)