For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Ruby Tiger Moths
Identify It > Moth Section > Ruby Tiger Moths >
Scientific name: Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Size: Wingspan up to 38mm
Distribution: Commonly found throughout the UK
Months seen: April to June and July to September
Habitat: Grassland, open woodlands, gardens, farmland and wasteground
Food: The caterpillars feed on plantains, dock and dandelion
Special features: Ruby Tigers have pinkish-brown forewings. The hindwings are an pinkish-orange with a broad black stripe near the back edge. The head and thorax are brown and the abdomen is orange with black stripes.
The grey caterpillars have a narrow orange dorsal stripe and are covered in brown or black hair. When they're ready to pupate they spin a silk cocoon and shed their hairs on the outside of it. The chrysalis inside is a shiny mahogany colour.
Ruby Tiger moths are nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night.
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