Scarlet Tiger
Callimorpha dominula
This record describes Callimorpha dominula (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-55 mm. The rather variable adults of this species usually have a metallic green sheen on the blackish areas of the forewing. It is one of the few tiger moths with developed mouthparts, allowing it to feed on nectar. Occupies damp areas such as fens, marshes, river banks and quarries as well as rocky cliffs near the sea. A day-flying species. The single generation flies in May and June. The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, but especially Comfrey. It is locally frequent in southern and south-west England, south Wales and some areas in North-west England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Erebidae
- Genus
- Callimorpha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occupies damp areas such as fens, marshes, river banks and quarries as well as rocky cliffs near the sea.
Seasonal Activity
A day-flying species. The single generation flies in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, but especially Comfrey.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is locally frequent in southern and south-west England, south Wales and some areas in North-west England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Callimorpha dominula. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Scarlet Tiger (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scarlet Tiger
What is Scarlet Tiger?
Scarlet Tiger (Callimorpha dominula) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scarlet Tiger found?
Habitat: Occupies damp areas such as fens, marshes, river banks and quarries as well as rocky cliffs near the sea.
When is Scarlet Tiger active?
Scarlet Tiger: seasonal activity - A day-flying species. The single generation flies in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Scarlet Tiger?
The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, but especially Comfrey.