Cinnabar Moth
As part of the countdown to TAFU’s Local Wildlife Day on the 11th of July – Species no. 5.
Stay tuned – 38 more days and 38 more species until then!
The Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is a distinctive day-flying moth known for its black and red wings. It really does stick out! It is widespread throughout the UK, particularly in southern and central England and Wales, with more limited distribution in northern England and Scotland. Cinnabar Moths thrive in open, well-drained habitats such as grasslands, heathlands, and coastal dunes.
The larvae are bright yellow with black stripes, feeding mainly on common ragwort. This diet makes both the caterpillars and the adult moths toxic to many predators, another reason for their wonderful colours. Adult Cinnabar Moths are active from May to August and can also be seen flying at night.
These moths play a role in controlling ragwort populations, a plant toxic to livestock, making them beneficial for agriculture. Despite their toxicity, they still face predation from species like birds, dragonflies, and beetles.
