Ruby Tiger Moth

Phragmatobia fuliginosa

The caterpillars produce biological antifreeze compounds that allow them to survive sub-zero temperatures and freeze solid during winter hibernation.

Scientific name: Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Erebidae › Phragmatobia
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Open meadows, heathland, moorland, calcareous grasslands, and roadsides
Diet: Larvae eat dandelion, dock, plantain, heather, and clover; non-feeding adults live off stored larval fat
Range: Europe, North Africa, Central Asia, Siberia, North America
Size: Wingspan 28–38 mm
Lifespan: 5–12 days
Active: nocturnal
Threats: Agricultural intensification, excessive mowing of road verges, and pesticide use
Safe to approach?: Harmless to humans. The adult moth cannot bite or sting. The densely haired caterpillars are not toxic, but rough handling may dislodge hairs that can cause mild, localized skin irritation. If irritated by caterpillar hairs, wash the affected area gently with soap and water.

Phragmatobia fuliginosa , the ruby tiger , is a moth of the family Erebidae.

Photo: purperlibel, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist