Jersey Tiger Moth Euplagia quadripunctaria
The Jersey Tiger, active by day and by night, is found in the Channel Islands (hence the name Jersey);
some are also present in Devon, Dorset and Somerset and a recent, growing population exists in London - these in northwest London -
spreading into the Home Counties currently.
P.S. That was nearly a decade ago; today (2020) they are more common in southern UK. They are also
native to most of Europe through to Central Asia.
Usually the underwings are red with black spots but sometimes they have a yellow background. The body also has black spots.
Above from SE London by Bob Clark. As usual, he gets the subject to pose on his hand.
Above from Surrey by Martin Starnes, who also manages to get the subject to pose on his hand.
Always difficult to hold the camera in the other hand, steady enough to take the one-handed shot.
The moths above were photographed by Martin Starnes in his Surrey garden. He says: "I have now
photographed thirty plus species in the house or garden in the last few weeks, most identified thanks to your website"
- it's always good to know that the site is helpful.
The two Jersey Tigers above are from Emily Tutton, taken near the athletic (previously Olympic) stadium in Stratford,
East London. She says the moth was "friendly and beautiful" and also manages to get a pose on her hand. She adds
"I thought you might like the pictures as your site helped me to identify it!" (Always glad when the site serves its purpose.)
Orange underwings 2017
Crimson-red underwings 2019
Yellow underwings 2023
The undersides of the three moths above were on my NW London kitchen window (2017, 2019 and 2023 respectively).
Jersey collar.
Underside 2023 - orange underwings.
On hibiscus.
There were a lot about the house and garden this year, with scarlet, orange and yellow hind wings.
Wingspan 42-52mm; UK flight time Jul-Sep.