Tyria jacobaeae
Cinnabar moth
Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar moth. Adults are reddish medium sized moths. Caterpillars feed on Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea, which is toxic to farm animals. The caterpillars assimilate the toxic alkaloids from the plant, becoming unpalatable to predators. This defence is reinforced by their bright yellow and black warning markings.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar moth. Caterpillar feeding on Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. July.
Slide 2: Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar moth. Caterpillar feeding on Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. July.
Slide 3: Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar moth. Caterpillars feeding on Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. July.
Slide 4: Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar moth. Caterpillars feeding on Ragwort, Senecio jacobaea. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. July.