Erebidae

72.024 Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa fuliginosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

Northern Ruby Tiger Phragmatobia fuliginosa borealis (Staudinger, 1871)

Common

Similar species: The northern moths are often darker and one form is grey without any red colouring. Other than that this moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 14 to 19mm

Habitats: Woodland clearings, downland, moorland, heathland, sand-dunes, open wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The first generation moths especially will fly on sunny days. It comes to light

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Dandelion, Bramble, Blackthorn, Heather, Spindle, Broom, Red Dead-nettle, ragworts, docks, Common Chickweed, plantains and many other low growing plants. The larva overwinters full-fed and is sometimes found basking in sunshine during the late autumn and early spring. It pupates in a cocoon in the leaf litter.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on hawk-bits and Common Nettle.