Jersey tiger vs Scarlet tiger moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a jersey tiger from a scarlet tiger moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Jersey tiger
Euplagia quadripunctaria
Scarlet tiger moth
Callimorpha dominula
≠The key differences
Scarlet tiger has glossy black-green forewings with cream and yellow spots rather than diagonal cream stripes, and red hindwings with black blotches; it flies earlier, in June-July.
Also day-flying with red or orange hindwings, but the forewings are boldly striped black and cream rather than spotted, and the hindwing spots are larger and fewer.
⚖︎Side by side
| Jersey tiger | Scarlet tiger moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 45-65 mm (typically 50-60 mm) | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Black, Cream, Red-orange, Brown | Black, Scarlet red, Cream, Dark brown |
| Family | Erebidae | Erebidae |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, hedgerows, coastal cliffs, scrub, gardens and sunny walls; adults often rest on vegetation or warm stone walls. | Flower-rich meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens and disturbed grassland in temperate regions. |
| 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. | Widespread across temperate Europe and parts of western Asia; present in Britain, continental Europe and regions around the Black Sea. |
| 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 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 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 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 jersey tiger and a scarlet tiger moth?
Scarlet tiger has glossy black-green forewings with cream and yellow spots rather than diagonal cream stripes, and red hindwings with black blotches; it flies earlier, in June-July. Also day-flying with red or orange hindwings, but the forewings are boldly striped black and cream rather than spotted, and the hindwing spots are larger and fewer.
Is a jersey tiger or a scarlet tiger moth more dangerous?
Jersey tiger: Non-toxic. Scarlet tiger moth: Non-toxic. Jersey tiger moths are not dangerous. 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.