Unknown Butterfly or Moth? (1 Viewer)

TerryH

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #1

I saw this in the garden on Sunday it was about 1" long doe's anyone know what it is called. Never seen one like it before.

Sorry about quality of photo but had to photo in a jar.. only way could keep it still.

 

Attachments

• 
  unknown.jpg

  26.7 KB · Views: 287

robinm

Registered User

• Jun 3, 2003

• #2

Looks like a cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). They are reasonably common throughout Europe, but are mainly a night flying moth.

 

Ashley beolens

Breeding the next generation of birders.

• Jun 3, 2003

• #3

I had one in my Kitchen on saturday, managed some nice photos too, they are an absolutly stunning moth to look at, the colours are so vivid.

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #4

Yes it is Cinnabar. These moths are diurnal in Suffolk, often seen laying eggs on the Ragwort which is their food plant.

CJ

 

seb_seb

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #5

diurnal only in suffolk?

 

TerryH

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #6

Thanks for the info everyone. It was the vivid colours that caught my attention will look out for them more.

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #7

Well someone said they were nocturnal. I don't think they are are they?

 

robinm

Registered User

• Jun 3, 2003

• #8

It was me who said they are mainly nocturnal. I've looked in a couple of moth books both of which confirm what I say, although they also say that they can be disturbed during the day and are (of course) very visible.

 

walwyn

Well-known member

• Jun 3, 2003

• #9

I remember being fascinated by these as a child in the mid 60s but never knew what they were then.

Spent ages watching them whilst wandering through the sand dunes at Hayle in Cornwall, I recall a whirring buzzing sound being associated with them as they took off, which spooked me a little at first - but I might be mistaken about that.

 

alan_rymer

Well-known member

• Jun 4, 2003

• #10

Malky

Yup
I saw one today too. Thats what it is. Thats what they feed on ( Ragwort ), I believe it makes them poisonous if eaten?.

 

F

Felipe

Active member

• Jun 9, 2003

• #11

I believe that it is a Thyria jacobaea.

Felipe

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• Jun 10, 2003

• #12

yes Tyria jacobae. Have also found the larvae on Colts foot (Tussilago farfara)