Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Denis A. Doucet on June 19, 2012 at 3:45pm

As i mentioned on the other discussion, I believe this is a Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae, Hodges #8113). I have never personally seen this moth in NB, but rather in Cape Breton a few times. I am not sure what its status is in NB. Do check out this link on Bug Guide on the species. It was imported from Europe in order to "control" a species of ragwort (St Jameswort), as the story goes. It would be great for others to confirm this ID.

Permalink Reply by Tony Thomas on June 19, 2012 at 6:51pm

Correct ID. I have some from NB but they are not common; and from what I have seen,or rather not seen, very rare.

Permalink Reply by Denis A. Doucet on June 19, 2012 at 7:48pm

Thanks Tony! 

Permalink Reply by Tom Finck on June 19, 2012 at 3:48pm

ops just about to mention that ( sorry)denis,i think family arctiids cinnabar

Permalink Reply by Ron Arsenault (Moncton) on June 19, 2012 at 8:57pm

Hello,

The plant this moth was introduced is Tansy Ragwort, also known as Stinking Willie (Senecio jacobaea ).

I have only seen this moth once in NB, in Saint John.  Merv has a picture of that individual.

Ron

Permalink Reply by Lois McGibbon on June 19, 2012 at 10:01pm

Thanks to all for the information.  Very interesting!  This birghtly coloured moth, the size of a skipper, was spotted twice in the last 4 days or so.  First time was in a flower bed and today on the power line.  It lands as if it doesn't plan on staying and then it is gone.

Permalink Reply by Stuart Tingley on June 19, 2012 at 11:19pm

Lois, where in New Brunswick did you photograph this moth?