SCARLET TIGER

ADULT: Wingspan - 45 - 55mm. A beautiful and gaudy moth that is very distinctive with glossy green-black forewings adorned with cream and yellow patches.  The hindwings are red with three large, irregular black markings.  Individuals with yellow hindwings or yellow spots on the forewings rarely occur, and in some forms the hindwings may be extensively black. The abdomen is glossy black. LARVAE: The hairy larvae are dark gray to almost black patterned with yellow stripes and small white dots and they are polyphagous but have a fondness for Comfrey and Green Alkanet. BEHAVIOUR:  A day flying species usually seen at rest on vegetation or flying over its preferred habitat. HABITAT: Fens, marshes, river banks, as well as rocky cliffs near the sea this is a species with a preference for wet habitats. FLIGHT PERIOD: Recorded on the wing primarily in May and June. STATUS: Resident.