The Yponomeutidae, commonly known as ermine moths, are a family of about 600 species in the superfamily Yponomeutoidea, with 27 species recorded in the UK and around 100 in Europe. The family was established by James Francis Stephens in 1829.

Adults have wingspans of 8–25 mm, with narrow to broad wings often marked with black dots or bands on a white or silvery background; at rest, wings are held roof-like. Most are diurnal or crepuscular. Larvae are leaf webbers or skeletonizers, feeding in communal silk tents on trees and shrubs, especially Rosaceae, Salicaceae, and Celastraceae.

The family includes the distinctive Small Ermine species (Yponomeuta spp.), such as Y. padella (orchard ermine), Y. evonymella (bird-cherry ermine), and Y. rorrella (willow ermine), known for mass outbreaks that defoliate host plants. Other genera include Argyresthia and Cedestis. Recent studies use DNA barcoding to distinguish cryptic Yponomeuta species and track host specialization.