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jersey tiger moth

Vaughn Matthews

Catherine Williamson / cnaturephotography.com

Catherine Williamson/cnaturephotography.com

Jersey tiger

The jersey tiger moth is a beautiful moth with creamy white strips on its forewing and bold orange underwings. It is mainly found in the south.

Scientific name

Euplagia quadripunctaria

When to see

July to September

Species information

Statistics

Wingspan: 50-65mm
Scarce but numbers are increasing in Britain.

Habitats

About

The jersey tiger moth can be found in gardens and by the coast, for instance near beaches and coastal cliffs. The caterpillars feed mainly on ground ivy, white dead-nettle, bramble and common nettle. These moths fly in both day and night.

How to identify

The jersey tiger moth has black and cream strips on its forewing and red or orange bright underwings with black spots.

Distribution

Mainly found in the south of England, particularly in Devon and Dorset. They have also been recorded in Sussex, Kent, the Isle of Wight and around London.

Did you know?

The caterpillars often feed on plants that are considered weeds such as nettles and dandelions. Allowing wild areas in your garden is a great way of encouraging these moths!