For May 2024, the Wildcare species of month is the Scarlet Tiger Moth (Callimorpha dominula).
Often overlooked for their more flamboyant butterfly cousins, moths also contribute significantly to our ecology and biodiversity. There are over 2500 species inhabiting Britain in a wide range of habitats and offer pollination of many species of flowers, both during the day and after dusk. They and their caterpillars also serve as a primary food source for many animals including birds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Small, night flying-moths make up a large proportion of the diet of the UK's bat species.
The Scarlet Tiger is a large, colourful, day-flying moth which can be found from late May through to early July. The adults have black forewings with a metallic sheen and large orange-white spots. The hindwing can be seen in flight, and are a vibrant red with black, which gives them their 'Scarlet' naming. Their vivid colours make them easy to spot!
Their caterpillars have yellow and black stripes running laterally down their bodies, with small white spots and fine black and white bristles.
Where are they found?
The Scarlet Tiger Moth is primarily found in Southern England and parts of Wales. They prefer wetland habitats so the lush, coastal areas of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, Glamorgan and the Gower Peninsula provide the ideal environment. They can also be found in gardens and woodlands where their food plants can be found.
The caterpillars aren't fussy, and will happily eat a variety of late summer plants from damp habitats including Common Comfrey, Hemp Agrimony and Hound's Tongue and will start to feed on a wider range of plant species when they're larger; moving onto nettle, brambles and honeysuckle.
How do we help protect them?
While the Scarlet Tiger Moth is not currently considered endangered, maintaining healthy habitats is crucial for their continued presence. Even in stable numbers, locally distributed species can be more vulnerable to environmental changes to due their more restricted range. Conservation efforts focused on preserving wetlands, reducing pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity-friendly gardening can help support their populations.
Getting involved with citizen science surveys, such as the Big Butterfly Count can help understand population trends of both butterflies and day-flying moths. If you're a keen lepidopterist or if you have children, using equipment like moth traps and nets with guidance can be a great way of learning about what you can find in your local area and getting engaged with ecology and conservation.
