Cinnabar Moth
Tyria jacobaeae
The adult is a striking black-and-red moth found in grasslands, coastal dunes, field margins, and other places where ragwort grows. It flies by day and night, visiting flowers and searching for mates and egg-laying sites. Its red hindwings and spots advertise that it is distasteful and chemically defended from toxins gained during the caterpillar stage. Despite its delicate build, the bright warning colors make it memorable to predators after one bad experience.
- Type
- Wing / Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar
- ?
- Cinnabar Moth