# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Grasslands - **Also known as:** Garden Tiger ![Scarlet Tiger](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Callimorpha.dominula.jpg&width=800) Photo: Emanresu, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Callimorpha.dominula.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Callimorpha ## 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 - **Warning Colours:** Scarlet Tiger has bright red and black patterns that visually warn predators it might taste bad or be toxic. - **Nasty Taste:** Scarlet Tiger can make itself taste disgusting to birds and other predators because its body contains chemicals from its diet. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — Adult moths visit various thistles to drink nectar. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Scarlet Tiger? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Scarlet Tiger: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scarlet-tiger)