Jersey Tiger Moths

Identify It >   Moths Section >   Jersey Tiger Moths >

Scientific name:  Euplagia quadripunctaria

Size:  Wingspan approximately 60mm

Distribution:  Found in the Channel Isles, the Isle of Wight and in Devon and Dorset.  A growing population in London is thought to have been started by a single egg-laying female in 2004 (source: Tony Canning).  Also a well established population in north Kent.  This moth seems to favour the warmer spring/summer weather conditions and is expanding its range.

Months seen:  June to September

Life span:  Adult moths live for up to 5 months

Habitat:  Gardens, woodland edges and waste ground

Food:  Nectar.  The caterpillars feed on nettles, dandelion and plantains

Special features:  The forewings of Jersey Tigers are cream-coloured with bold black stripes.  The underwings are bright orange with black patches.

Jersey Tigers fly by day in sunny weather and settle amongst vegetation when it's dull.  They also fly at night and can be readily attracted to light.

The caterpillars of Jersey Tigers are black, with a wide yellow stripe along the back, and cream spots along the sides.  Each body segment has a tuft of orange-brown hair.  The head is black.

Related Pages

• Jersey Tiger Moth Sightings
• UK Safari Moth Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?