Bird Cherry Ermine Yponomeuta evonymella

The Bird Cherry Ermine moth is native to much of Eurasia. Wingspan 16-25mm; UK flight time Jul-Aug. It seems to have more spots than the similar Spindle Ermine moth. The Orchard Ermine (also called Cherry Ermine) and Apple Ermine moths are similar. The names are after the caterpillars' preferred hosts and the ermine fur fabric (white with black spots).

Caterpillars seem to have slightly longer black spots than those of the other Ermine caterpillars. Here they are beginning to pupate.

Larvae are tent caterpillars that cover trees (especially bird cherry) and hedgerows in communal silk webs. Foliage is stripped by the thousands of caterpillars in the tent webs but the trees recover.

Whole trees are often covered, sometimes including adjacent fences, benches or even cars.