Cinnabar Moth caterpillar on Hoary Ragwort
Cirsium vulgare and two species of Bumblebee
Wordless Wednesday – Reasons to be cheerful – Cinnabar Moth on Hoary Ragwort and two species of Bumblebee on Cirsium
Gardening Jules
Birds, Bees, Flowers, Trees – Organic & Wildlife Friendly Gardening
Hi Jules, looks like we’ve both got ragwort and Cinnabar Moths (http://duverdiary.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/wordless-wednesday-alternative-feast/) but I don’t have your lovely Cirsium!
In the very overgrown and wild field behind me, no grazing animals, so I can just enjoy them.
I love that cinnabar moth! I’ve never heard of them.
I am glad you liked it! The developed moth is startling to look at too – black with bright red spots and stripes its a native over here. I have read with some sceptisism on Wikipedia thats its been introduced into North America to control Ragwort.
Lovely caterpillar Julie!
I wish I was able to capture a photo of the adult moth too, its black with bright red spots and stripes. One day!
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I wonder what the cinnabar moth did before ragwort started to spread round the country.It is a beautiful caterpillar.
I have just read on the brilliant Buglife website, that its numbers are in decline as a lot of Ragwort is now removed from the countryside.The wild field behind me has lots of Ragwort this year, but does not have any livestock, so we just enjoy the flashes of yellow. I am hoping to see some adult moths.
How beautiful and well spotted too, Julie. I know from experience that they’re easily overlooked. Stunning creature 🙂
They do have a good camouflage, I agree they are beautiful and fascinating to watch. 🙂
Reasons to be cheerful indeed. That moth must become a beautiful caterpillar. Is it?
The moth is a really distinctive black with red spots and stripes, quite a dramatic looking creature. 🙂
The Cinnabar Moth caterpillar on Hoary Ragwort is such an amazing photo.
Hi Charlie, thanks so much, apologies for the delay in replying, I do not why but your comment was put in my spam folder, glad you liked the photo. 🙂