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Scarlet Tiger

Callimorpha dominula

The Scarlet Tiger is a colorful moth with bright red and black stripes. It loves to fly around gardens and fields, especially in warm weather. Its beautiful colors help it stand out in nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Scarlet Tiger is a striking moth with dark, metallic greenish-black forewings adorned with creamy-white spots. Its hindwings are a vibrant scarlet red (sometimes yellow) with bold black spots, creating a dramatic contrast. This vivid coloration serves as a warning.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusCallimorpha
Scarlet Tiger
furry trait badgestriped trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badge
Scarlet Tiger

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its fuzzy caterpillars are sometimes called 'woolly bears' and love to munch on nettles.

Some rare Scarlet Tiger moths have bright yellow hindwings instead of the usual scarlet red!

The Scarlet Tiger moth is also known as the Jersey Tiger, named after a beautiful island.

Unlike many moths, it often rests with its wings spread wide open, showing off its vibrant colours!

Special abilities

Ability

Warning Colours

Scarlet Tiger has bright red and black patterns that visually warn predators it might taste bad or be toxic.

Ability

Nasty Taste

Scarlet Tiger can make itself taste disgusting to birds and other predators because its body contains chemicals from its diet.

Ability

Daytime Flyer

Scarlet Tiger can fly during the day, unlike many other moths, which helps it find food and avoid nocturnal hunters.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
45-60 mm
Size
20-25 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves from various plants, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on plant leaves; adults consume flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Common Nettle (Urtica dioica)
  • Hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)
  • Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
  • Nectar from various flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Nettle

Urtica dioica

Its caterpillars primarily feed on these leaves.

eats

Common Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Another key food plant for its hungry caterpillars.

eaten by

Magpie

Pica pica

Though unpalatable, birds like magpies might attempt to eat it.

pollinates

Creeping Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Adult moths visit various thistles to drink nectar.

Traits

Also known as

Garden Tiger

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch moths or caterpillars without asking an adult first, as some can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scarlet Tiger's wingspan?

45-60 mm

How big is Scarlet Tiger?

20-25 mm

How long does Scarlet Tiger live?

7-14 days

What does Scarlet Tiger eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves from various plants, while adult moths sip sweet flower nectar.

Where is Scarlet Tiger usually found?

Grasslands

How does Scarlet Tiger hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Scarlet Tiger have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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