Ethmia dodecea

Alternative names
Gromwell Ermine
Dotted Ermel
Description

Wingspan 17 to 21 mm. This striking species bears a superficial resemblance to the 'Ermines' (Yponomeuta spp.), but the black dots are larger and fewer.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

The habitat preference is scrubby or chalky downland.

When to see it

The moths fly between May and July.

Life History

The larvae feed on Common Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale).

UK Status

With a scattered distribution in England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

Reference
33.001 BF718

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Dotted Ermel
Species group:
insect - moth
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Ethmiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
3
First record:
01/07/2015 (Russell, Adrian)
Last record:
25/06/2025 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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