larvae on crack willow

[rich ard]

This 'nest' of larvae was found on 'crack' willow and I am struggling to id them.

It is possible that they are Willow Ermine, a RDL species in Notts.

Anyone able to help please?



Thanks

[charlieb]

I'm not sure how easy the ermines are to identify from larvae (they are all very similar) - I would normally recommend going by the foodplant. That said, I can find 2 British species that feed on Salix - the Willow Ermine Yponomeuta rorrella as you said and the Orchard Ermine Yponomeuta padella (this is from CATERPILLAR HOSTPLANTS DATABASE - The natural History Museum)

Looking at some pictures, I would say it isn't Bird-cherry Ermine Yponomeuta evonymella, Orchard Ermine Yponomeuta padella or Apple Ermine Yponomeuta malinellus - yours most resembles the Spindle Ermine Yponomeuta cagnagella...

I recommend you collect some larva or pupa and rear them through to adult and ID them (although the adults are equally as hard...) or pass them onto a specialist.

[rich ard]

Thank you for that helpful reply. I did wonder about collecting one or two but somehow it does not seem right, I will see if I can find anyone local to help me out first. I will let you know the outcome if there is one!