72.03 BF2067

Jersey Tiger Euplagia quadripunctaria

(Poda, 1761)

Wingspan 42-52 mm.

One of the most attractive of the Tiger moths, this species was until relatively recently restricted in distribution to the Channel Islands and parts of the south coast .

On the mainland it was commonest in south Devon, but began to spread north and eastwards, and colonies appeared in Dorset and the Isle of Wight and more recently in other southern counties.

It now seems to be expanding its range quite quickly and there are good numbers to be found in London and neighbouring counties. At the time of writing there are records from Bedfordshire, East Anglia and no doubt it will continue to be found in more places; it is a very distinctive species.

It flies both in the daytime, when it can be found feeding on various flowers, as well as at night, when it is attracted to light.

The main flight period is July to September. The hairy larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants including nettle (Urtica).