NEN Gallery

A common moth that flies during the day with bright red and black colouration. The caterpillar (pictured) is also brightly coloured, with black and gold stripes. The bright colours warn predators that it is extremely unpleasant to eat. Cinnabar moths can be found throughout Britain, except northern Scotland, wherever its larval food plants (ragwort and groundsel) grow. Adults drink nectar. Caterpillars eat ragwort and groundsel. The Adult moths can be found from May to July and the caterpillar in July and August in parks and meadows. Picture taken on 14th July 2011 at Old Quary, Tottenhoe Knolls, Bedfordshire.