the cinnabar moth

Resembling no other British species, except perhaps the burnets (Zygaenidae), this is a fairly common mfoth in much of Britain.

It is generally nocturnal, but is quite often disturbed during the day from long grass, low herbage etc. At night, it comes to light.

A colour form, . flavescens is found occasionally, with the red markings replaced with a yellowish tint.

The distinctive larvae, with their yellow and black hoops, generally feed gregariously on ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and other related plants.

The flight period is May through July.