White Ermine vs Old Lady Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | White Ermine | Old Lady Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spilosoma lubricipeda | Mormo maura |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 34-42 mm wingspan | 60-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
White Ermine
A pure white moth peppered with variable black dots, resembling ermine fur. The number of spots varies greatly between individuals.
Did You Know?
Some individuals have so few spots they appear nearly pure white, while others are heavily marked.
Old Lady Moth
A large, sombre dark-brown moth whose wing pattern was thought to resemble a shawl worn by elderly women. It hides in dark places by day, including outbuildings and cellars.
Did You Know?
It is frequently found roosting in garden sheds and churches during the daytime in summer.