The Cinnabar Moth - Tyria jacobaeae

Not the most fab picture of it, but it was rather fluttery and trying to get under the plant... This is the first time i've ever seen one! we had (and i blipped a few times) the caterpiller on the ragwort out back and i really hoped i got to see it in this form as its rather pretty!

Was the bright red fluttering that caught my attention.

A few facts.:

Wingspan 32-42 mm.

Resembling no other British species, except perhaps the burnets (Zygaenidae), this is a fairly common moth in much of Britain.

It is generally nocturnal, but is quite often disturbed during the day from long grass, low herbage etc. At night, it comes to light.

The distinctive larvae, with their yellow and black hoops, generally feed gregariously on ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and other related plants.

The flight period is May through July.


On other news... my dh has been headhunted! to a new job, better pay and with in walking distance of home (so no more daily travelling, although some may be involved occasionally) so big congrats to him!