Jersey tiger vs Cinnabar moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a jersey tiger from a cinnabar moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Jersey tiger
Euplagia quadripunctaria
Cinnabar moth
Tyria jacobaeae
≠The key differences
Cinnabar is smaller with charcoal-grey forewings marked by a red stripe and two red spots, and red hindwings edged in black; it has no cream stripes.
⚖︎Side by side
| Jersey tiger | Cinnabar moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Unpalatable |
| Size | Wingspan 45-65 mm (typically 50-60 mm) | 32-42 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Black, Cream, Red-orange, Brown | Black, Red (orange-red), Yellow, Orange |
| Family | Erebidae | Erebidae |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, hedgerows, coastal cliffs, scrub, gardens and sunny walls; adults often rest on vegetation or warm stone walls. | Open grassland, meadows, road verges and disturbed ground where ragwort and related Senecio species grow |
| Range | Southern and central Europe, parts of western Asia and North Africa; in Britain chiefly Jersey and southern England but expanding northwards in recent decades. | Native to Europe and western and central Asia; introduced populations exist in North America and New Zealand for ragwort control |
| Active | Adults mainly July to September (peak in August) in the north of the range; day-active but also comes to light at night. | Adults flight period mainly May to July (varies with latitude); moths fly by day |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a jersey tiger
- Black or dark brown forewings with bold cream/white diagonal stripes and spots.
- Bright red-orange hindwings with one or more dark spots, visible in flight or when wings are opened.
- Relatively large moth (wingspan about 45-65 mm) and day-flying; often seen resting on sunlit walls or vegetation.
🔍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
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a jersey tiger and a cinnabar moth?
Cinnabar is smaller with charcoal-grey forewings marked by a red stripe and two red spots, and red hindwings edged in black; it has no cream stripes.
Is a jersey tiger or a cinnabar moth more dangerous?
Jersey tiger: Non-toxic. Cinnabar moth: Unpalatable. Jersey tiger moths are not dangerous. 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.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.