Cream-spot Tiger Moth Arctia villica
The above photo was kindly provided by Chris Heald, taken at Todber Manor Farm, Dorset,
June 2010 (copyright Chris Heald).The Cream-spot Tiger, like many other Tiger Moths (moths not bi-planes) are active by day and by night, although more active at night. Poisonous chemicals absorbed from host plants by their "woolly bear" caterpillars give them red warning colours and make them unattractive to daytime predators. Cream-spot Tigers are found through much of southern England and Wales.
Wingspan: 45-60 mm. UK flight time May-Jun.