Cinnabar moth vs Scarlet tiger moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a cinnabar moth from a scarlet tiger moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Cinnabar moth
Tyria jacobaeae
Scarlet tiger moth
Callimorpha dominula
≠The key differences
Callimorpha dominula has black forewings with white and yellow spots and red hindwings with black blotches; the cinnabar has a red stripe and two red spots on each forewing and almost plain red hindwings.
⚖︎Side by side
| Cinnabar moth | Scarlet tiger moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Unpalatable | Non-toxic |
| Size | 32-42 mm wingspan | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Black, Red (orange-red), Yellow, Orange | Black, Scarlet red, Cream, Dark brown |
| Family | Erebidae | Erebidae |
| Habitat | Open grassland, meadows, road verges and disturbed ground where ragwort and related Senecio species grow | Flower-rich meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens and disturbed grassland in temperate regions. |
| Range | Native to Europe and western and central Asia; introduced populations exist in North America and New Zealand for ragwort control | Widespread across temperate Europe and parts of western Asia; present in Britain, continental Europe and regions around the Black Sea. |
| Active | Adults flight period mainly May to July (varies with latitude); moths fly by day | Adults fly in early to mid summer (mainly June-July); day-flying and also active at dusk. Caterpillars overwinter and feed again in spring. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a cinnabar moth
- Adults: dark grey-black forewings with a red stripe along the leading edge and two red spots; bright red hindwings with black margin; wingspan about 32-42 mm
- Caterpillars: bold alternating black and yellow-orange bands, often in groups on ragwort
- Day-flying behaviour: adults often seen flying in daylight over ragwort patches in late spring and early summer
🔍How to spot a scarlet tiger moth
- Bright red hindwings with several round black spots — clearly visible in flight or when wings are opened.
- Glossy dark forewings with irregular creamy-white or yellowish patches and spots.
- Day-flying behaviour and a robust, hairy body typical of tiger moths.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cinnabar moth and a scarlet tiger moth?
Callimorpha dominula has black forewings with white and yellow spots and red hindwings with black blotches; the cinnabar has a red stripe and two red spots on each forewing and almost plain red hindwings.
Is a cinnabar moth or a scarlet tiger moth more dangerous?
Cinnabar moth: Unpalatable. Scarlet tiger moth: Non-toxic. Cinnabar moths and caterpillars are not poisonous to handle for most people, but caterpillars sequester alkaloid toxins from ragwort and can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Not venomous and not known to cause systemic poisoning.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.