Cinnabar Moth
FamilyErebidae
Scientific NameTyria jacobaeae
RangeEurope, introduced: NZ/Australia
HabitatGrasslands, dunes
About the Cinnabar Moth
Named after cinnabar, the red mineral, for their striking red-and-black wing pattern. Their caterpillars are black and orange striped, feeding on ragwort and absorbing its toxic alkaloids. Introduced to New Zealand and Australia as a biological control for ragwort. Their bold coloring warns predators of their toxicity. The caterpillars can completely strip ragwort plants.
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