Wild Summer
A Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar feeding on a Common Ragwort plant
See: An illustration from British Entomology by John Curtis
The Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is quite common in the British Isles and flies at dawn and the early evening as well as at night. There is one generation per year, appearing from May to July. After mating the eggs are laid on Ragwort and related plants (Groundsel and Coltsfoot)- but Ragwort is the main food source.
Cinnabar caterpillars are voracious eaters and large populations can strip entire patches of ragwort clean, a result of their low predation.The toxins in the leaves do not harm the caterpillars, but protect them, making them poisonous and unpleasent tasting. The caterpillars are also cannabalistic which is not always caused by a lack of food, although a large infestation can strip the plants of their foliage. They have bright orange and black stripes running around their slightly hairy body and can reach about 30mm in length.
Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) (Asteraceae)
A weed that is poisonous to cattle. Farmers try to eradicate this plant by pulling up the young flowers before they can seed, but the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for many years.
Samsung 60mm F2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA Lens
SAMSUNG CSC
Wild Summer
A Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar feeding on a Common Ragwort plant
See: An illustration from British Entomology by John Curtis
The Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is quite common in the British Isles and flies at dawn and the early evening as well as at night. There is one generation per year, appearing from May to July. After mating the eggs are laid on Ragwort and related plants (Groundsel and Coltsfoot)- but Ragwort is the main food source.
Cinnabar caterpillars are voracious eaters and large populations can strip entire patches of ragwort clean, a result of their low predation.The toxins in the leaves do not harm the caterpillars, but protect them, making them poisonous and unpleasent tasting. The caterpillars are also cannabalistic which is not always caused by a lack of food, although a large infestation can strip the plants of their foliage. They have bright orange and black stripes running around their slightly hairy body and can reach about 30mm in length.
Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) (Asteraceae)
A weed that is poisonous to cattle. Farmers try to eradicate this plant by pulling up the young flowers before they can seed, but the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for many years.
Samsung 60mm F2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA Lens
SAMSUNG CSC