
Scarlet Tiger
Like the other tiger moths, this is a large colourful moth with bold markings. Its distinctive features are its black forewings with cream spots, yellow hindwings and a furry black thorax.
When disturbed it will display its hindwings and its orange/red abdomen to warn off predators.
It spends most of the year as a larva, from July to late April or early May, before pupating in a cocoon amongst low vegetation. The adult moth then emerges after about 20 days.
They have one generation from May to early July. They usually fly at night and are attracted to light.
Family – Tigers and ermines moths (Arctiinae)
Large-sized
UK BAP: Not listed
Local (only found in some areas)
The caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants such as dead-nettles and dandelions.
They are found in a range of open habitats such as clifftops, saltmarshes and sand dunes.
Countries – England, Wales
It is found across southern England, south Wales and the Channel Islands. It has a local distribution and is most frequently recorded in coastal areas, and on heathland.
Cream-spot Tiger - Garry Barlow
Garry Barlow
Cream-spot Tiger - Heath McDonald
Heath McDonald
Cream-spot Tiger - Tamás Nestor
Tamás Nestor
Cream-spot Tiger - Koen Thonissen
Koen Thonissen
Cream-spot Tiger - Mark Schofield
Mark Schofield
Cream-spot Tiger (underwing) - Sue Davies
Sue Davies
Cream-spot Tiger (underwing) - Garry Barlow
Garry Barlow
Cream-spot Tigers - Marcell Kárpáti
Marcell Kárpáti