Focus on the Scarlet Tiger Moth, Callimorpha dominula.

[nomad]

Focus on the Scarlet Tiger Moth, Callimorpha dominula.

Historically in Britain, the day-flying Scarlet Tiger moth, Callimorpha dominula of the Arctiidae family was a local species confined to fens, marshes, riversides and other damp places in Southern England and Wales. In these localities the larvae feed on Comfrey, Symphytum officinale. Lost from some of its well known localities, this beautiful moth has recently extended its range away from its remaining sites and has been found in a wide variety of habitats including gardens. Its occurrence in these new habitats may be transitional and the really strong colonies still occur in its traditional haunts that have survived to the present day. In its more recent habitats the larvae will feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants and where it is found in gardens often on cultivated comfrey (Symphytum spp).

One area where this moth was well known was along the River Kennet in Berkshire and Wiltshire where it is still found today. Here in the rich fen vegetation along the river banks of Kennet Valley there are several strong colonies and a few years ago, adjacent to the River Kennett I found Callimorpha dominula breeding on cultivated comfrey on bank by a cottage along narrow lane. This June I was lucky enough to visit this colony and see the adults at the height of their emergence period. There were a number of pristine adults sitting about on the large comfrey leaves, while others were found having just left the pupa with their wings not extended. A fully grown larvae was also found. The resting adults would soon disperse along the nearby river.

       

[wollastoni]

wow wow wow

Fantastic species !

[Adam Cotton]

Beautiful moth, super photos. How did you manage to get photos of the freshly emerged adult?

Adam.

[nomad]

Adam Thank you. I guess I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. All were photographed on a single short visit to the cottage bank and all were on the same stretch of planted Comfrey. Later, walking back to Marlborough, I saw a few by the river.

[mcheki]

As you say this species can be found in gardens. It breeds on self sowing giant Echium plants in the garden, here in Cheltenham, England, and has managed to survive for the last three or four years here. There were adults flying earlier in the year. The larvae can be seen on warm days sunning themselves on the long leaves of the Echium. As long as the Echium survives the winters I hope this colourful moth continues to thrive.

Here is one on the driveway resting on a Buddlea plant. Photo taken at the end of May 2014.

[mcheki]

Yesterday was a warmer sunny day and this larva was spotted just about to hide away again before the clouds returned. Taken on an Echium plant in the garden in Cheltenham, England. Not the best of photos but a promise that more larvae may be seen soon.

Seems as though the original Photobucket photo has disappeared so added this instead.

[nomad]

A nice species to have in the garden. We also get the occasional one in our garden in Swindon, but they must be breeding elsewhere. I remember the first time I saw one in the middle of the town some years ago now, I was quite surprised, as I had only seen them at the famous Cothill colony in Oxon and along the River Kennet.

[mcheki]

Apr 5, 2017 9:21:04 GMT nomad said:

A nice species to have in the garden. We also get the occasional one in our garden in Swindon, but they must be breeding elsewhere. I remember the first time I saw one in the middle of the town some years ago now, I was quite surprised, as I had only seen them at the famous Cothill colony in Oxon and along the River Kennet.

I have just seen this adult in the garden today (12th June 2017). Hopefully more to emerge soon.

[nomad]

Such an attractive species, nice to have them emerging in your garden.