Community identification
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar
Tyria jacobaeae
- Order & Family
- Order Lepidoptera, Family Erebidae
- Size
- Commonly reach lengths of up to 30 mm (1.1 inches).
Natural Habitat
Open grassy areas, meadows, and dunes; typically found on common ragwort plants.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; specifically feeds on the foliage and flowers of Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea).
Behavior Patterns
They are diurnal and feed in groups during early development stages. They sequester toxic alkaloids from ragwort plants as a defense mechanism, making them unpalatable to predators.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits include acting as a biological control agent for ragwort, which is a weed toxic to livestock. Do not handle, as they can cause skin irritation or rashes in humans due to their defensive chemicals.