Euplagia quadripunctaria, Jersey Tiger Moth

Common Name: Jersey Tiger Moth

Euplagia quadripunctaria, more commonly known as the Jersey Tiger Moth, is predominently black with bold cream stripes. The underwings are bright orange with black patches and wingspan is approximately 60mm. Originally only found in the Channel Isles, it is now fairly common on the Isle of Wight and in Devon and Dorset. London is reporting more and more sightings and the trend (possibly due to climate change) is for it to move further north across the UK.

On the wing from June to September, it is usually seen in gardens, woodland edges and waste ground. 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 and a black head, each body segment has a tuft of orange-brown hair. They feed on nettles, dandelion and plantains.

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