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Cinnabar moth

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is a medium-sized arctiid moth characterized by its striking coloration, featuring black-gray forewings with crimson stripes and spots, and bright crimson hindwings bordered in black, with a wingspan of 27–46 mm.^[1]^[2]^[3] The larvae, known as woolly bears, are smooth with sparse hairs and display alternating black and orange-gold bands, growing to about 2.5 cm in length, while eggs are small (1 mm), ribbed, and initially yellow before turning gray.^[1]^[3] Native to Europe and western to central Asia, it has been introduced to North America for biological control of invasive ragwort plants.^[1]^[3] The life cycle of the cinnabar moth is univoltine, completing one generation per year. Adults emerge from overwintering pupae in May to June, are active at dawn and dusk (both diurnal and nocturnal), and females lay clusters of 10–150 eggs (totaling 73–285 per female) on the undersides of host plant leaves.^[1]^[2]^[3] Larvae hatch after several weeks, progressing through five instars over 4–7 weeks, feeding gregariously on foliage, flowers, and seeds of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and related species like groundsels, sequestering toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that render them unpalatable to predators.^[1]^[4]^[3] Mature larvae pupate in reddish-brown cocoons (20–25 mm) under soil or debris, remaining dormant through winter until the following spring.^[1]^[4] Cinnabar moths inhabit open, sunny grasslands, heathlands, coastal dunes, waste grounds, railway embankments, and woodland edges, preferring areas with dense stands of host plants (at least four per square meter) and avoiding shaded or frequently flooded sites.^[1]^[2] In its native range, it is widespread across Europe, from the UK (common in England, Wales, and Ireland, more coastal in the north) to central Asia; in North America, populations are established in the Pacific Northwest (e.g., Oregon to British Columbia), the northeastern U.S., and parts of Canada, following intentional releases starting in the 1960s to control tansy ragwort.^[1]^[2]^[3] Notable for its role in integrated pest management, the moth's larvae can defoliate ragwort plants, though high-density populations may migrate en masse over distances up to 800 m in search of food.^[1]^[3]

Taxonomy

Classification

The Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths, and is placed within the superfamily Noctuoidea, a diverse group known for its nocturnal species. Its taxonomic hierarchy is as follows:

Rank	Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Class	Insecta
Order	Lepidoptera
Superfamily	Noctuoidea
Family	Erebidae
Subfamily	Arctiinae
Tribe	Arctiini
Genus	Tyria
Species	T. jacobaeae

This species was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae published in 1758, as Phalaena jacobaeae.^[7] The genus Tyria is monotypic, containing only this species, and is part of the Arctiini tribe within the Arctiinae subfamily, commonly referred to as tiger moths, many of which display aposematic (warning) coloration associated with chemical defenses.^[8]^[9]

Nomenclature

The cinnabar moth was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae (1758), where it was named Phalaena jacobaeae.^[10] This original binomial placed the species within the broad genus Phalaena, which Linnaeus used for many moths at the time, with the description noting its association with the host plant Senecio jacobaea.^[7] The currently accepted scientific name is Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus, 1758), reflecting its placement in the monotypic genus Tyria, which was established by Jacob Hübner in 1819.^[11] Several synonyms have been used historically, particularly in pre-20th century classifications, including Noctua jacobaeae Linnaeus, 1758, Phalaena jacobaeae Linnaeus, 1758 (an objective synonym), Tyria confluens Schultz, 1908, and Callimorpha senecionis Godart, 1822.^[12] These reflect shifts in generic assignments as lepidopteran taxonomy evolved, with early names often aligning the moth closely to its primary host.^[7] The genus name Tyria derives from the ancient Greek term for the historical region of Tyre (modern-day Lebanon), a nod to classical geography common in early entomological naming.^[13] The specific epithet jacobaeae is the genitive form referencing Jacobaea vulgaris (formerly classified as Senecio jacobaea), the moth's key host plant, highlighting the species' ecological tie to this asteraceous herb.^[7]

Description

Adults

The adult cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae, is a medium-sized arctiid with a body length of approximately 20 mm and a wingspan ranging from 32 to 42 mm.^[14]^[15] The body is robust and black, with a black head and filiform antennae that lack clubbing.^[16]^[3] The forewings are dark gray to black, featuring a prominent longitudinal red stripe along the anterior margin and two smaller red spots near the outer margin. The hindwings are bright red, with black edging along the anterior margin and fringes.^[3]^[15] This striking coloration combines black and pinkish-red hues, serving as an aposematic warning of toxicity derived from pyrrolizidine alkaloids sequestered during the larval stage.^[4] Rare variants include the form f. flavescens, in which the red markings are replaced by yellow.^[17] Sexual dimorphism is minimal, with no notable differences in overall size, wing structure, or coloration between males and females, though antennae may show subtle variation in width.^[18] The compound eyes are relatively large, adapted to the species' diurnal activity patterns.^[14]

Immature stages

The eggs of the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) are small, spherical structures measuring approximately 1 mm in diameter, featuring longitudinal ribs on their surface.^[1] They are pale yellow when first laid but gradually darken to a transparent grey as they mature.^[1] Females deposit them in clusters typically ranging from 30 to 60 eggs, often on the undersides of host plant leaves.^[14] Newly hatched larvae are pale yellow and measure a few millimeters in length, exhibiting a relatively smooth body with sparse hairs.^[3] As they develop through five instars, their coloration intensifies, transitioning to a predominantly black body accented by bright yellow or orange longitudinal stripes, with prominent white bristles near the head and tail.^[1]^[19]^[20] Mature larvae reach up to 25 mm in length, displaying increased size and more vivid striping in later instars.^[21] The larval coloration, which serves as a warning signal, is partly influenced by sequestration of plant alkaloids during feeding (detailed in Feeding habits).^[22] The pupae are dark reddish-brown, measuring 20 to 25 mm in length, and are enclosed within a thin silken cocoon.^[1]^[22] These cocoons are formed in ground litter, such as under rocks, debris, or soil, where the pupae overwinter as the dormant stage.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is native to the Palearctic realm, with its range spanning Europe from the United Kingdom and Ireland in the west to the Mediterranean region in the south, and extending eastward through western and central Asia to Siberia. Its distribution in Europe is widespread, occurring in most countries, while in Asia it reaches into temperate zones supporting its host plants.^[23] The species has been introduced outside its native range for biological control of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), primarily post-1900 through human-mediated efforts. In North America, introductions began in the late 1950s on the west coast of the United States, with releases in California in 1959 and Oregon in 1960, leading to establishment in the Pacific Northwest, including southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Additional releases in eastern Canada during the 1970s led to establishment in Atlantic provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.^[24]^[25] In New Zealand, the moth was first released in 1929 from English stock, achieving widespread establishment across the country by the 1930s.^[26] Introductions to Australia commenced in the 1930s in southern states like Victoria and Tasmania, but establishment has been limited and variable, with poor success in some areas due to predation and climate factors.^[27] The moth's range has expanded naturally eastward within the Palearctic, following suitable habitats, alongside deliberate transcontinental introductions starting in the early 20th century to combat invasive ragwort. As of 2025, the native distribution remains stable, with no major contractions or expansions reported, while in introduced regions, populations are well-established in the Pacific Northwest and eastern Canada of North America, where they continue to spread in coastal and grassland areas, and in New Zealand, though success in Australia persists as patchy.^[3]

Preferred habitats

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) thrives in open, sunny, and dry environments that support low vegetation suitable for its host plants. It favors well-drained grasslands, meadows, dunes, heathlands, railway embankments, and other disturbed grounds, where sparse plant cover allows easy access to food sources.^[2]^[15] These habitats are typically characterized by short sward and rabbit-grazed areas, providing the warm, exposed conditions essential for larval development.^[2] Key requirements include proximity to species of Senecio, particularly common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), which serves as the primary host plant and influences habitat selection. The moth avoids dense forests, wetlands, or shaded areas with tall vegetation, as these lack the necessary open, xerothermic microhabitats.^[15]^[28] In urban and semi-urban settings, it readily occupies garden edges and wasteland near these host plants.^[2] In its native European range, the cinnabar moth occurs from lowlands up to an altitudinal limit of approximately 1,500 m, often in alpine meadows and dry pastures at higher elevations. This distribution aligns closely with the availability of ragwort, its key larval host.^[15]

Life cycle

Eggs and oviposition

The eggs of the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) are small, spherical structures measuring approximately 1 mm in diameter, featuring longitudinal ribs and initially appearing pale yellow before darkening to a translucent gray as they mature.^[1] Each female typically deposits 73 to 285 eggs over her lifetime, often in batches ranging from 10 to 150, though clusters of 30 to 60 are most common.^[1]^[20] These batches are strategically placed on the undersides of basal leaves of host plants, primarily ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), to shield them from environmental exposure and predators.^[29]^[30] Oviposition occurs during late spring to midsummer, shortly after adult emergence, with females exhibiting a strong preference for ragwort rosettes influenced by plant chemistry, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids that serve as oviposition stimulants.^[29]^[1] This selective behavior ensures proximity to suitable larval food sources, as females assess host quality through contact chemoreception before laying.^[29] Eggs typically hatch within 7 to 10 days under temperate conditions (4 to 20 days overall, varying with temperature), allowing synchronized development in the batch.^[29]^[20] Upon hatching, larvae emerge gregariously from the egg cluster, initially consuming the remnants of the eggshells and surrounding leaf tissue on the plant's underside before dispersing slightly to feed on nearby foliage.^[1] This group emergence fosters high local densities, which can enhance survival through collective defense but also heightens vulnerability to predation in the early instars.^[31] While egg mortality remains low, young larvae face significant risks from arthropod predators, with batch-laying patterns contributing to clumped distributions that influence overall population dynamics.^[31]^[32]

Larval stage

The larvae of the cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae, undergo five instars during their development, typically spanning 4–7 weeks in temperate climates.^[1] Newly hatched first instars measure approximately 2 mm in length and are pale yellow or grey-green with black heads, feeding gregariously on the undersides of host plant leaves.^[20]^[1] As they progress through subsequent instars, their coloration shifts dramatically to black bodies adorned with prominent yellow or orange-gold bands, reaching up to 25–30 mm in length by the fifth instar; this aposematic patterning enhances visibility and serves as a warning to predators.^[1]^[29] Growth during the larval stage is characterized by rapid and voracious feeding on host plants such as common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), primarily targeting leaves, flowers, and tender stems. Groups of 30–40 larvae can completely defoliate a single plant, leading to significant herbivore pressure on local populations of their hosts.^[1] Under conditions of food scarcity, such as high larval densities or sparse host availability, cannibalism may occur among the larvae, reducing competition but increasing mortality rates.^[33] During this feeding phase, larvae also sequester pyrrolizidine alkaloids from their host plants, accumulating toxins that contribute to their chemical defense against predators (detailed further in defensive mechanisms).^[1] Dispersal behavior becomes prominent in later instars, particularly when food resources on the current plant are depleted. Mature larvae may walk to nearby plants or, when disturbed, drop from foliage suspended by silken threads, facilitating ballooning dispersal over distances up to 800 m to locate new hosts.^[1]^[29] In regions with a single annual generation, the entire summer larval development from hatching to pupation typically completes within 30–40 days under optimal conditions, after which larvae do not overwinter but instead enter the pupal stage.^[34]^[21]

Pupation and adult emergence

Following the larval stage, mature larvae descend from the host plant and burrow into the soil or leaf litter to form a flimsy cocoon, where pupation occurs. The pupa is dark reddish-brown, smooth, and measures 20–25 mm in length.^[1]^[35] The pupal stage involves diapause, with pupae overwintering in the soil from late summer or autumn through to spring. This inactive period exposes them to environmental stresses, including waterlogging, which can cause high mortality, and predation by soil-dwelling animals such as moles. Approximately 50% of overwintering pupae survive to adulthood, with losses attributed primarily to these abiotic and biotic factors.^[29]^[36]^[34] Adult emergence, or eclosion, typically occurs in late spring to early summer, from May to June in European populations. The process begins with the pupal case splitting, allowing the adult moth to exit; the wings then expand and harden over several hours as hemolymph is pumped into them.^[1]^[29] In its native range, Tyria jacobaeae is univoltine, producing one generation annually, with the pupal diapause ensuring synchronization with seasonal host plant availability. In some warmer introduced regions, such as parts of North America, populations may occasionally exhibit bivoltinism, completing two generations per year under favorable conditions.^[1]^[29]

Ecology and behavior

Feeding habits

The larvae of the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) are oligophagous herbivores, primarily feeding on plants in the genera Senecio and Jacobaea, with Jacobaea vulgaris (common ragwort) serving as the main host.^[37] They consume leaves, flowers, and stems of these hosts, often leading to complete defoliation of individual plants, where a single larva can ingest approximately 0.5 g of dry plant matter during development.^[38] Other Senecio species, such as Senecio vulgaris (common groundsel), also support larval growth, though less preferentially than ragwort.^[37] In North America, where the moth has been introduced for biological control, larvae utilize secondary hosts like Senecio triangularis (arrowleaf ragwort), on which they feed similarly but exhibit slightly reduced pupal weights and prolonged development times compared to feeding on J. vulgaris.^[39] Larval feeding can result in up to 100% defoliation of host plants, particularly flowering individuals, though rosette-stage plants are less frequently targeted unless mature plants are depleted.^[40] Adult cinnabar moths engage in minimal feeding, primarily consuming nectar from flowers during their brief 1–2 week lifespan, which is dedicated mostly to reproduction rather than nutrition.^[41] Through their host plant diet, larvae sequester pyrrolizidine alkaloids, incorporating these compounds into their tissues for chemical defense against predators, derived from the plants' secondary metabolites.^[37]

Defensive mechanisms

The cinnabar moth employs aposematism through striking warning coloration to deter predators. In adults, the black forewings contrast sharply with bright red hindwings and markings, signaling toxicity during flight or display.^[42] Larvae feature bold yellow-and-black stripes that serve as a conspicuous warning up close, while blending with ragwort foliage from a distance for dual camouflage and aposematic effects.^[43] A primary chemical defense involves sequestration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from host plants such as ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). Both larval and adult stages store these hepatotoxic compounds, rendering them unpalatable or poisonous to vertebrate predators; larvae accumulate PAs directly from foliage, while adults retain them from the larval period, enhancing overall unprofitability.^[44]^[45] Behavioral defenses complement these traits, with larvae engaging in open, diurnal feeding on host plants, relying on their warning signals rather than concealment. Adults exhibit conspicuous diurnal flight alongside nocturnal activity, further advertising their defenses to potential threats.^[15] These mechanisms collectively reduce predation rates significantly, with studies showing aposematic larvae and mimics experiencing markedly lower attack success compared to undefended prey; however, certain predators may still target them under specific conditions.^[43]

Predators

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) faces predation from various vertebrates across its life stages, though its aposematic coloration often deters many attackers. Birds, such as cuckoos, are notable exceptions that ignore these warning signals and consume both larvae and adults, with cuckoo species being the most frequently recorded avian predators of the moth.^[46] Bats, including the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus), have also been documented preying on adults, marking the first confirmed instance of such predation via DNA analysis of bat feces.^[47] Mammalian predation is rare, with no major species identified as significant threats.^[31] Invertebrate predators pose substantial risks, particularly to early life stages. Ants, such as the European red wood ant (Formica polyctena), aggressively attack egg clusters and young larvae, influencing larval dispersal behaviors to reduce encounter rates; proportional hazards modeling shows that dispersed larvae experience lower predation risk compared to clustered groups.^[48] Parasitic wasps, notably Hyposoter popularis (formerly Apanteles popularis), target fully grown larvae, with parasitism rates peaking during periods of low moth density and contributing to significant larval mortality.^[36] Spiders prey on adults, occasionally capturing them in webs or via direct ambush, as observed in controlled environments where such predation impacted moth survival.^[22] Predation pressures vary markedly by life stage, with eggs and young larvae being most vulnerable. Egg mortality remains consistently low, typically under 10%, due to limited access by predators, but young larvae suffer high losses—up to 80% in some populations—primarily from arthropod predation including ants and other invertebrates.^[31] Older larvae gain partial immunity through size and toxicity accumulation, while pupae face moderate risks from parasitic wasps, and adults experience the lowest overall predation rates, though bats and spiders still pose occasional threats.^[36] In introduced North American populations, ant predation has intensified compared to native European ranges, hindering biological control efforts against host plants like tansy ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). Carpenter ants (Camponotus vicinus and C. pennsylvanicus) consume larvae at high rates, with 63% of larvae disappearing from ant-accessible plants versus 39% from excluded ones within 36 hours; direct observations attributed 9% of losses to ant predation, reducing larval feeding efficiency by over 75%.^[49] This elevated pressure in forested release sites like Montana underscores the role of novel predators in limiting establishment success.^[49]

Conservation status

Population trends

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) has not been assessed for the IUCN Red List as of 2025, reflecting its overall common status across much of its native range in Europe and western and central Asia.^[50] While widespread and abundant in these regions, local population declines have been noted in parts of Europe, particularly where habitat alterations affect host plants.^[15] In the United Kingdom, the species has experienced significant declines, with a 67% reduction in abundance over the 40-year period from 1970 to 2010.^[51] Recent monitoring as of 2025 shows continued declines, attributed to ongoing habitat loss and intensified ragwort control.^[52] These trends are monitored through annual reporting by Butterfly Conservation, including data from light-trap networks and volunteer sightings, which show continued variability but persistent downward pressure in southern regions.^[53] Introduced populations in North America, established for biological control, have shown increases in many sites since the 1960s, with successful spread and dense larval outbreaks in areas like Oregon and Montana.^[54] Establishment success varies, however, depending on local conditions and host plant availability.^[55] Climate warming is potentially aiding northward range extensions, as indicated by expanded distributions into northern Scotland and higher elevations.^[56]

Threats and protection

The primary threats to the Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) stem from the widespread eradication of its main larval host plant, common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), and related species, using herbicides, driven by concerns over its toxicity to livestock via pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This control measure has contributed to marked population declines throughout the UK, as ragwort removal directly limits larval food availability. Habitat destruction through agricultural intensification and urbanization exacerbates these losses by eliminating the open, disturbed grasslands, dunes, and heathlands where ragwort commonly grows and the moth completes its life cycle. Additionally, climate change disrupts the phenological synchrony between adult moth emergence and ragwort flowering, potentially reducing reproductive success as warmer temperatures alter plant growth timelines.^[15]^[14]^[57] Secondary threats include incidental exposure to pesticides applied in agricultural margins, where ragwort patches persist near cropped fields, further impacting larval survival and contributing to ongoing declines. Over-collection of larvae or adults remains a rare concern, given the moth's relative abundance in suitable habitats and lack of commercial demand. These anthropogenic pressures compound natural variability, underscoring the need for targeted habitat preservation.^[14] Conservation efforts focus on habitat management rather than direct legal protections, as the Cinnabar moth lacks specific scheduling under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 but is designated a priority species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Organizations such as Buglife and The Wildlife Trusts promote retaining isolated ragwort patches in nature reserves and roadside verges to support the moth and over 30 associated invertebrate species, while advocating balanced weed control codes that minimize herbicide use near biodiversity hotspots. In 2025, there has been heightened emphasis on pollinator-friendly ragwort retention amid ongoing debates over agricultural weed management, with reserves like those managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust implementing hand-pulling protocols to cap ragwort coverage at 5% in species-rich grasslands, ensuring moth habitat without dominance. These guidelines encourage landowner participation in biodiversity action plans to foster resilient populations.^[4]^[15]^[58]

Relationship with humans

Biological control

The cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae, has been employed as a classical biological control agent against the invasive tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) in several regions outside its native range. Initial releases occurred in Australia in 1930 by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, sourced from England, with repeated attempts through the 1980s using northern hemisphere biotypes, though permanent establishment proved elusive.^[59] In New Zealand, the moth was imported from England in 1926 by the Cawthron Institute and released extensively from 1929 to 1932, with re-releases in the 1980s from surviving southern North Island populations to bolster distribution nationwide.^[26] Introductions to North America began in the late 1950s, with the first U.S. release in California in 1959, followed by widespread efforts in Oregon starting in 1960 and in Canada from 1961 to 1962, all aimed at curbing tansy ragwort's spread in pastures and rangelands.^[60]^[40]^[1] The moth's larvae defoliate tansy ragwort, significantly reducing plant biomass and seed production when established. In integrated programs combining the moth with the ragwort flea beetle (Longitarsus jacobaeae), reductions in ragwort biomass reach 50–90% or higher, with up to 99% control in ungrazed areas of California and Oregon, where the agents target different plant stages for complementary effects.^[40]^[61] Alone, the moth can achieve significant suppression, such as 60% reduction in large plant biomass or 77% in flower head production in field studies, through repeated defoliation over multiple seasons, preventing flowering and weakening rosettes until death, though recovery occurs without sustained pressure and its efficacy is generally considered limited.^[40]^[54] Establishment of the moth has varied regionally, succeeding on the wetter western coasts of North America but failing in drier inland or eastern U.S. sites due to climatic mismatches, predation by native arthropods, parasitism, and disease.^[54]^[59] Non-target effects on native Senecio species, such as arrowleaf groundsel (S. triangularis), involve occasional feeding, with no significant population-level impacts documented in long-term monitoring, though this has led to restrictions on releases in some Pacific Northwest areas like Washington state.^[62] As of 2025, the cinnabar moth remains in active use for tansy ragwort management in the Pacific Northwest, where established populations continue to expand their range and integrate with other controls. However, new releases are not currently available in Oregon, and it is not approved for distribution in Washington state due to non-target feeding concerns. The USDA and state agencies monitor populations for long-term sustainability and non-target risks.^[63]^[64]^[65]

Other interactions

The cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) and its larvae pose minimal direct risks to humans and pets, though handling the caterpillars can occasionally cause skin irritation or rashes due to the presence of irritating hairs or sequestered alkaloids.^[66] Ingestion of larvae or adults by humans or pets may lead to mild poisoning from pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage, though such incidents are rare and typically require substantial consumption.^[67] Allergic reactions to contact are uncommon but have been reported in sensitive individuals.^[68] In gardening contexts, the cinnabar moth is often viewed as beneficial for naturally controlling ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), a toxic weed, as its larvae preferentially defoliate this plant, reducing its spread in non-agricultural areas without the need for chemical interventions.^[69] However, in managed pastures, large populations of larvae can become a nuisance by stripping vegetation excessively, potentially impacting forage availability or aesthetics, and occasionally feeding on non-target Senecio species.^[69] The cinnabar moth holds minor cultural significance in the UK, frequently featured in wildlife identification guides and educational resources for its striking aposematic coloration and role in ecosystems.^[4] Its vivid red and black hues, reminiscent of the toxic mineral cinnabar once used as a pigment in art, symbolize warning and toxicity in natural history illustrations.^[15] No major folklore surrounds the species. Research on the cinnabar moth has focused on the pharmacology of PAs, examining how larvae sequester, metabolize, and store these alkaloids from host plants for defense, providing insights into toxin bioaccumulation and potential therapeutic or toxicological applications.^[67] Citizen science initiatives in the UK, such as those coordinated by Butterfly Conservation and the Buzz Club, encourage public tracking of populations through apps like iRecord, aiding in monitoring distribution and abundance.^[70]^[68]

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The Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) is a macro moth found throughout most of the UK. Its distinctive colouring makes it one of the most identifiable moths ...
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[26]
[PDF] Progress Towards Biological Control of Ragwort in Australia
In Australia, biological control of ragwort, Senecio jacobaea, commenced in Victoria in 1930 with the release of the cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaea, and later, ...
[27]
A life table for the cinnabar mothTyria jacobaeae, in Oregon
The cinnabar moth,Tyria jacobaeae L. (Arctiidae), was introduced into Oregon in 1960 against the weed tansy ragwort,Senecio jacobaea L., and in 1970 an ...
[28]
Distribution of the Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae L. at landscape ...
The distribution of the xerothermophilous Cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae was studied in a low mountain region in western Germany between 1989 and 2001.Missing: review paper
[29]
[PDF] Physiological Host Range of the Cinnabar Moth, Tyria jacobaeae
Jul 31, 2007 · The cinnabar moth was introduced to North America from Europe for biological control of tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobaea (Asterales: Asteraceae), ...
[30]
Evolutionary changes in an invasive plant support the defensive role ...
Jun 18, 2021 · jacobaeae larvae retrieved from native genotypes was significantly higher (14.3%) than for larvae from invasive genotypes (8.6%; GLMM with a ...
[31]
The population ecology of the Cinnabar Moth, Tyria jacobaeae L ...
This paper describes the results of a study of the factors determining the abundance and distribution of the Cinnabar Moth in Britain.
[32]
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF00545484.pdf
[33]
[PDF] Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team
Adult ... are the brightly colored caterpillars of the cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae,.
[34]
[PDF] Cinnabar Moth Development in New Zealand
Viabilities of pupae reared as larvae at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C were 91, 78, 76 and 53% respectively. These results, in relation to field data on life stages of T.Missing: morphology | Show results with:morphology
[35]
Tyria jacobaeae cinnabar :: Northern Ireland's Priority Species ::
The adults fly from May into August, whereas caterpillars can be found July to September. The adult is easily disturbed in the daytime and freely comes to light ...
[36]
The Population Ecology of the Cinnabar Moth, Tyria jacobaeae L ...
50% of the larvae starved. Because of the overriding effect of starvation, total larval mortality tends to be density dependent. Mortality is high at, or ...
[37]
Sequestration, N-Oxidation and Transformation of Plant Pyrrolizidine ...
Jun 2, 2014 · Larvae of the arctiid moth Tyria jacobaeae reared on Senecio jacobaea or S. vulgaris take up and store pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from ...
[38]
tyria jacobaeae - jstor
The overwinter death rate of plants which have flowered is only 25%. (10) Ragwort and cinnabar moth provide what is probably the best example of non ...Missing: mortality | Show results with:mortality
[39]
https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/downloads/5138jh45v
[40]
[PDF] Combining the cinnabar moth (Tyriajacobaeae) and the ragwort flea ...
The cinnabar moth was introduced into Oregon in. 1960 as a biological control agent of ragwort (Frick. & Holloway 1964). Adult moths are active in May and early ...
[41]
Tyria jacobaeae - NatureServe Explorer
Tyria jacobaeae. Cinnabar Moth. GX. Presumed Extinct. GH. Possibly Extinct. G1. Critically Imperiled. G2. Imperiled. G3. Vulnerable. G4. Apparently Secure. G5.
[42]
8: Insects That Use Plant Defenses for Their Own Protection - Books
Apr 28, 2017 · This chapter illustrates the diversity of defensive plant secondary metabolites and mechanisms that allow insects to cope with toxins, and even ...
[43]
Distance-dependent aposematism and camouflage in the cinnabar ...
Feb 21, 2018 · We investigated how saliency changes at different viewing distances in the toxic and brightly coloured cinnabar moth caterpillar (Tyria ...
[44]
Poisonous Alkaloids in the Body Tissues of the Cinnabar Moth ...
The adult moth contains a remarkably high level of histamine in its body tissues (700 µg/g)—a substance frequently associated with poison glands in ...
[45]
Attract and deter: a dual role for pyrrolizidine alkaloids in plant ... - NIH
May 8, 2010 · Bioassays using isolated PAs showed that T. jacobaeae indeed uses PAs as oviposition cue. Not all PAs stimulated oviposition; while senecionine, ...
[46]
First Evidence of the Cinnabar Moth Tyria Jacobaeae Present in the ...
Jul 7, 2023 · The cinnabar moth Tyria jacobaeae (Linnaeus) is a common species of Lepidoptera found throughout Ireland on grasslands, heathland, ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[47]
(PDF) First Evidence of the Cinnabar Moth Tyria Jacobaeae Present ...
Jul 9, 2023 · Currently there are no known records of bat predation of this toxic moth. Using DNA barcoding of a partially digested fragment from the faeces ...
[48]
The Influence of Larval Dispersal in the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria ... - jstor
CINNABAR MOTH (TYRIA JACOBAEAE) ON PREDATION. BY THE RED WOOD ANT (FORMICA POLYCTENA): AN. ANALYSIS BASED ON THE PROPORTIONAL HAZARDS. MODEL. BY P. HACCOU AND L ...
[49]
Predator Interference with the Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae) for ...
Jan 20, 2017 · Larvae were able to consume 81% of original flowers or buds on ant-excluded stems, compared with 18% consumption on ant-accessible stems, ...Missing: defenses rate
[50]
https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Tyria+jacobaeae
[51]
The State of Britain's Larger Moths 2013 - ResearchGate
Mar 15, 2015 · ... moths remain in the strongly declining category in the 40-year. study. However, the 40-year trends of the Cinnabar (67% decrease),. Small Em ...
[52]
Moths in decline - Butterfly Conservation
Moths are declining in the UK. Studies have found the overall number of moths has decreased by 33% since 1968. The situation is particularly bad in southern ...
[53]
[PDF] Biological control of tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae, L.) by the ...
The estimated numbers of late-instar larvae of the cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae, counted in 5 min along a 50-m transect at the same 12 sites. No estimate for ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[54]
The effects of food quantity and quality on emergence time in the ...
In North America some introduced cinnabar moth populations have been dense since their establishment and extensively defoliate their food plants annually.
[55]
Trend Notes - Scottish Moths | NatureScot
Moth abundance has almost halved (46% decline) over the last 25 years, with more 'significantly decreasing' than 'significantly increasing' species (58 versus 5) ...
[56]
Moths and climate change | Butterfly Conservation
For example, the Lime Hawk-moth is advancing through northern England and the Cinnabar is spreading further into Scotland.Missing: expansion | Show results with:expansion
[57]
Management of ragwort on nature reserves | Somerset Wildlife Trust
Jul 29, 2025 · The distinctive black and yellow striped cinnabar moth caterpillars frequently found on ragwort can sometimes strip entire plants of leaves and ...
[58]
[PDF] Biological Control of Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L.) in Australia
Biological control of ragwort in Australia began when the Council for Scientific and. Industrial Research (CSIR) introduced the foliage feeding cinnabar moth, T ...
[59]
Biological Control of Tansy Ragwort < Senecio jacobaea ...
The moth is univoltine, and first appears between mid-April and early May in coastal California. The eggs are usually deposited on the developing second year ...
[60]
Tansy Ragwort Biological Control - WeedCUT
The cinnabar moth has one generation per year (Fig. 2). Adults lay clusters of eggs on the underside of leaves. The orange-and-black-banded larvae are ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[61]
Cinnabar moth | College of Agricultural Sciences
Cinnabar moth was one of three natural enemies released to control the weed. It was first released in the 60's with additional releases thereafter. The grayish- ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[62]
Tansy ragwort identification and control - King County, Washington
Cinnabar moth is well established in King County, however, moving the insects to new areas is discouraged as the larvae also feed on 2 native species (Senecio ...
[63]
Biological control of tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaeae, L.) by the ...
The cinnabar moth is still expanding its range, but in the areas where first released, it has given excellent control, having eliminated tansy ragwort as a ...
[64]
Biological Control : Weeds and WeedMapper - ODA - Oregon.gov
The combination of the cinnabar moth and flea beetle has nearly eliminated large ragwort patches in many areas of western Oregon. Occasional flare-ups of ...
[65]
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/tansy-ragwort
[66]
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Biosynthesis, Biological Activities and ... - MDPI
... Pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity in livestock: A paradigm for human poisoning? Food ... Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids by the Arctiid Moth Tyria jacobaeae L. Z ...
[67]
Cinnabar snapshot – UK Citizen science project - Childsplayabc
Jul 22, 2023 · Both the plant and caterpillars can also cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in humans so it is important not to touch or handle ...
[68]
Tansy Ragwort - Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
The cinnabar moth, Tyria jacobaeae, caterpillars can completely defoliate tansy ragwort. Unfortunately the cinnabar moth can also feed on native and ...
[69]
Recording caterpillars - Butterfly Conservation
Spotting caterpillars is the easiest recording method for some species. Cinnabar caterpillars, for example, are distinctive and highly visible. Others need to ...