Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Callimorpha senecionis
Explanation of Names
The species name is for its hostplant, Senecio jacobaea, St Jameswort or Tansy Ragwort.
Size
wingspan about 39 mm, based on Moth Photographers Group specimen
Identification
Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. First instar caterpillars are yellow with a black head, becoming striped in later instars, with broad black and yellow bands. CAterpillars start out feeding on leaves but move to flowers when plant is in bloom.
Moth has dark grey forewings with a distinctive red pattern. Hindwings are red.
Food
Larvae feed on
Senecio jacobaea.
HOSTS database also lists Salt-marsh Fleabane (
Pluchea odorata), Hound's-tongue (
Cynoglossum officinale), Hops (
Humulus lupulus) and Sow Thistle (
Sonchus oleraceus)
Remarks
Introduced from Europe as a control for introduced weedy Ragwort, the host plant for its caterpillars, which is toxic to livestock.
See Also
Lichen Moths in the genus Hypoprepia:
