Yponomeuta multipunctella
Clemens, 1860
American Ermine
Sort #: 363 | P3 #: 360017 | MPG #: 2420 | PFG Page #: 42
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link
Larval feeding type: Communally (up to a dozen) in webs
Larval substrate: Euonymus americanus (American Strawberry Bush), Euonymus atropurpurea (Eastern Spindle-tree), Euonymus obovata (Running Strawberry Bush), possibly also Viburnum
Phenology: Adult: 6/30 to 8/12 (27 records)
Comment: No larvae have yet been found in MA, even though the moth appears to be more common than the introduced Y. cagnagella. The hostplant in MA therefore remains unknown. The number of spots can vary considerably and some specimens can be mistaken for Y. cagnagella. In Y. multipunctella there are always spots in the central area of the wing, representing a fourth (or sometimes fifth) line of spots.
Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1981
Last Year Reported: 2021
Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes
Number of Records: 27
