Status
This species is commonly found wherever Common Ragwort grows on heaths, downs, roadsides, railway embankments etc throughout England.
Easily disturbed by day and flies in warm sunshine, but also comes to light at night.
The moth produces one generation of very distinctive yellow/black hooped caterpillars which are easily found in July and August.
Cinnabar has a very long emergence period so fully grown adults may be seen alongside fully grown larvae!
A rare form, f. flavescens is found occasionally, with the red markings replaced by yellow. The first known Norfolk sighting of this “Golden Cinnabar” form was seen at East Wretham Heath in May 2017.Recorded in 68 (92%) of 74 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1834.
Last Recorded in 2024.
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