Cinnabar moth caterpillar
Tyria jacobaeae
Conservation status: Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework
When to see: July to August
About
Cinnabar moths begin their life cycle as yellow and black caterpillars, and feed on just two types of plant; ragwort and groundsel. Their vibrant colours serve as a warning to predators of their highly toxic nature, which they acquire through their consumption of ragwort. The caterpillars transform into cocoons and spend the winter on the ground, eventually emerging as moths during the summer season. These moths are active both day and night, and are frequently mistaken for butterflies.
| See also different: | Garden caterpillars |
