Jersey Tiger

• Latin name: Euplagia quadripunctaria
• Family group: Tigers, Ermines, Footmen and allies (Arctiids)
• Countries: England
• Size: Large

Resident/Suspected immigrant

A distinctive and striking large moth with some variation in colourin; individuals with completely black or extensively white forewings have been known.  The hindwing ground colour ranges from red, through orange to yellow.

Frequent in Devon occurring inland to Dartmoor and Exeter and along the coast from Dartmouth to east Dorset, with some single records from Plymouth, Portland, the Isle of Wight and Sussex. Possibly now also resident in parts of London. Common in the Channel Islands.

Flies on warm days, sometimes visiting flowers such as Buddleias and thistles.  Can be flushed from hedgerows, bushes and ivy-covered walls in dull weather. Also flies after dark.

Conservation status

• UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Not listed
• UK status: Scarce (Nationally Scarce B)

European/world range

Widespread in central and southern Europe and from Turkey to Iran in the east. Not recorded in Scandinavia and Ireland.

Caterpillar foodplants

Feeds on several plants, particularly Common Nettle, Hemp Agrimony, plantains and Ground-ivy. 

Habitat

Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including on waste ground, gardens, coastal areas and the open countryside.