Cinnabars and ragwort

These are cinnabar moth caterpillars on the ‘weed’ ragwort. I took this photo a couple of days ago and then today in the RSPB magazine there was a similar photo and information. The moth is a spectacular day-flying cinnabar with bright red and black wings. Ragwort is poisonous to grazing animals however it has conservation value as a food plant to at least 70 insects. 

It was unusual to see one tall ragwort plant alongside one of the formal gardens at Hampton Court! Presumably the gardeners realised its value and did not get rid of it. Today I saw lots of ragwort when I took the dog for a walk but none of those plants had any caterpillars and as yet I have not seen a cinnabar moth this year.