Erebidae

72.031 Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common

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

Forewing: 17 to 23mm

Habitats: Short-turfed grassland, open woodland rides, heathland, sand-dunes, wasteground and gardens.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day and flies in sunshine. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds openly on Common Ragwort, other ragworts, Groundsel and sometimes Colt's-foot. It pupates in a flimsy cocoon just under the soil surface.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Butterbur.