Erebidae

72.025 Wood Tiger Parasemia plantaginis plantaginis (Linnaeus 1758)

Local

Parasemia plantaginis insularum Seitz, 1910

Shetland, Orkney, northern mainland Scotland

Similar species: This moth is unlikely to be mistaken for any other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 17 to 20mm

Habitats: Moorland, heathland, downland scrub and woodland clearings.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day. The male flies in sunshine, the female less so, but is more active in the late afternoon and after dark.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Ribwort Plantain, Greater Plantain, Common Rock-rose, forget-me-nots, Salad Burnet, Bell Heather, dock, Dandelion, Groundsel and many other herbaceous plants. The larva overwinters half-grown and basks on foliage and bare ground in spring sunshine. It pupates in a cocoon spun in the base of the foodplant.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Bilberry, Common Sorrel, hawkweeds and campions.