Cinnabar moth
Common NameCinnabar moth
Scientific NameTyria jacobaeae
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)37
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, waste ground, coastal areas, anywhere ragwort grows
Geographic RangeEurope, western and central Asia; introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand
Host Plantscommon ragwort, groundsel
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are conspicuously striped yellow and black, feeding gregariously on ragwort and accumulating toxins from the plant. They pupate underground over winter.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its striking black (or dark grey) and red coloration; the forewings have a red stripe and two red spots, while the hindwings are mostly red with dark edges. Its caterpillars are also distinctive with yellow and black stripes.
Description
A distinctive day-flying moth with dark grey to black forewings marked with a prominent red stripe along the leading edge and two red spots. The hindwings are bright red with dark margins.
