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Cinnabar moth
ExploreInsects
Cinnabar moth
Tyria jacobaeae
The Cinnabar moth is a colorful insect with bright red and black wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen in gardens during the summer.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Cinnabar moth has striking black forewings marked with a vibrant red stripe along the leading edge and two distinct red spots. Its hindwings are brilliant scarlet red with a black border. This bold, contrasting coloration makes it easily recognizable and different from most other moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusTyria
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female moths lay hundreds of tiny yellow eggs on the underside of leaves!
Its vibrant red color comes from pigments absorbed from the plants it eats!
Their striking yellow and black striped caterpillars are often seen feeding in groups!
This moth helps control ragwort, a weed harmful to livestock!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Shield
Cinnabar moth has a toxic shield because they eat poisonous plants, protecting them from predators.
Ability
Bright Warning
Cinnabar moth has bright red wings that warn predators they are toxic, keeping them safe.
Ability
Sun Flyer
Cinnabar moth can fly during the day because it helps them find food and mates in sunshine.
Ability
Weed Warrior
Cinnabar moth larvae can eat harmful ragwort because it helps control this invasive plant.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 32-42 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on poisonous plants like ragwort.
Age differences: Caterpillars eat toxic leaves; adults drink flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Ragwort leaves (Jacobaea vulgaris)
- Groundsel leaves (Senecio vulgaris)
- Thistle nectar (Cirsium spp.)
- Knapweed nectar (Centaurea spp.)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Common Ragwort
Jacobaea vulgaris
Caterpillars consume its leaves.
pollinates
Creeping Thistle
Cirsium arvense
Adults transfer pollen while feeding.
pollinates
Black Knapweed
Centaurea nigra
Moths visit flowers for nectar.
Traits
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Red Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Cinnabar moths are safe to observe, but don't touch them or their caterpillars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnabar moth's wingspan?
32-42 mm
How big is Cinnabar moth?
15-20 mm
How long does Cinnabar moth live?
10-20 days
How fast can Cinnabar moth fly?
5-10 km/h
What does Cinnabar moth eat?
Adults sip nectar from flowers, while caterpillars munch on poisonous plants like ragwort.
Where is Cinnabar moth usually found?
Grasslands
How does Cinnabar moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Cinnabar moth have?
6
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