Ethmia dodecea
Dotted Ermel
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.
The habitat preference is scrubby or chalky downland.
The moths fly between May and July.
The larvae feed on Common Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale).
With a scattered distribution in England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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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
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