Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
The ruby tiger moth is a member of the Erebidae moth family. It can be spotted during the day flying in open habitats.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Phragmatobia
- Scientific Name: Phragmatobia fuliginosa
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
Larvae have black-brown heads, with their gray body being covered with fox-red hairs. The body color can be light or dark and varies from specimen to specimen.
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Pupa
The pupae are black with a segmented yellow abdomen.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present but not prominent.
Color and Appearance
Forewings: When the wings are open, it is observed that they are a dark reddish-brown, densely scaled, and have a black spot near the apex of the wing. When closed, the rose-red edges of the wings become more prominent.
Hindwings: When open, the wings are bright carmine, with black spots. When closed, the patterns become less visible.
Average wingspan: 35–45 mm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: May to August
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Egg
The eggs of these moths are reddish-gray.
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Quick Facts
| Distribution | The Palearctic region, including Central Asia, Europe, North Africa, Russia, Tibet, and northern areas of North America. |
| Habitat | Downlands, gardens, heathlands, moorlands, sand-dunes, water meadows, and woodland clearings |
| Lifespan of Adults | 5 days |
| Host Plants | Blackthorn, creeping willow, dock, European blackberry, goldenrod, ironweed, meadowsweet, plantain, skunk cabbage, sunflowers, and sweetgale |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- The ruby tiger moth has several subspecies throughout the world, including:
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa borealis (Scotland and northern Eurasia)
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa melitensis (Malta)
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa paghmani (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, northern Iraq, southern Kazakhstan, and western Xinjiang in China)
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa pulverulenta (Nei Mongol, Qinghai, and eastern Xinjiang in China, parts of eastern Kazakhstan and Mongolia)
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa rubricosa (North America)
- Phragmatobia fuliginosa taurica (From southern Turkey to Palestina in the Near East)
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Erebidae
- Genus: Phragmatobia
- Scientific Name: Phragmatobia fuliginosa
