Maps updated: April 2008

Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758)

Description: Wingspan 35-45mm. Adults are colourful and very distinctive. Forewings greyish black with a scarlet sub-costal streak that runs almost to the apex. There are two large scarlet spots along the outer margin of the wing. Hindwings scarlet with the costa and cilia darkish grey. Abdomen greyish black.

Key Identification Features:

• Two scarlet spots along the outer margin of forewing
• Scarlet costal streak on forewing
• Bright scarlet hindwings, clearly visible in flight

Sets:

Flight Period: From mid-May until mid-August.

Status: Widespread and commonly encountered throughout all counties but more restricted to coastal localities in northern counties.

Ecology: A colourful species found mainly on coastal and inland heaths, limestone grassland and rough pasture where the foodplant, Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea, is found. Adults rest among ground vegetation by day and are easily disturbed giving rise to the idea that they are dayflying. The moth appears frequently at light in small numbers. The yellow and black-striped larvae can be found easily by day from September until May of the following year feeding communally on their foodplant. Their distinctive coloration deters birds and other predators and serves to remind them of their toxic nature. It overwinters as a larva.

World Distribution: Europe and Asia.

Caterpillar: