The Scarlet Tiger moth (Callimorpha dominula) is black, with iridescent green and white/yellow markings on its forewings, and bright red hindwings with black markings - tiger-like. While the hindwings are red, the forewings are a dark colour with iridescent green and spots, making them appear black or a very dark green. Its bright colours are a warning signal to potential predators that it is distasteful or poisonous. It also emits ultrasonic clicks at night to deter bats. The Scarlet Tiger moth flies only from May to July - so is particularly difficult to see. It prefers damp areas such as fens, marshes, riverbanks, and coastal habitats, but can also be found in gardens and woodlands. The scarlet tiger moth is primarily found in south and south-west England, and south Wales - though it is also found across Europe as far as Turkey.
See also: Jersey Tiger Moth
