This tropical-looking moth is very distinctive.  Rarely, individuals with yellow hindwings or yellow spots on the forewings occur, and in some forms the hindwings may be extensively black.

Frequently flies in sunshine, particularly in late afternoon and early evening for the males.  Can also be found during the day resting on leaves. Also flies at night.

Flight Season

Flies from May to June in one generation.

Size and Family

  • Family – Tigers, Ermines, Footmen and allies (Arctiids)
  • Large Sized 

Conservation status

  • UK BAP: Not listed
  • Local (only found in some areas)

Caterpillar Food Plants

Common Comfrey, Hemp Agrimony and Hound’s Tongue.  When larger the caterpillars are often found feeding on Common Nettle, Bramble, sallows, Honeysuckle and Meadowsweet.

Habitat

Frequents a variety of wetland and coastal habitats, including fens, riverine habitats, floodplains and the upper parts of beaches.  The species can also occur in gardens, woodland and along ditches.

Distribution

  • Countries – England, Wales
  • This species is predominantly confined to the south and west England and Wales with two isolated populations in Kent.  Several individuals have been found on Jersey in the last 20 years but it is not known whether it is resident.
 
Scarlet Tiger - Patrick Clement

Scarlet Tiger

Scarlet Tiger - Bob Eade

Scarlet Tiger - Bob Eade

Scarlet Tiger - Bob Eade

Scarlet Tiger

Scarlet Tiger - Ben Sale

Scarlet Tiger

Scarlet Tiger - Ilia Ustyantsev

Scarlet Tiger

Scarlet Tiger (underwing) - Ann Collier

Scarlet Tiger (underwing)

Scarlet Tiger (caterpillar) - Garry Barlow

Scarlet Tiger (caterpillar)

Scarlet Tiger (caterpillar) - Adam Gor

Scarlet Tiger (caterpillar)


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