Scarlet Tiger Moth dominula 15 eggs or 10 larvae

Scarlet Tiger Panaxia dominula

Larvae are very easy, especially on potted foodplants. Enclose the pot and foodplant in a fine sleeve, to protect from predators during hibernation and to prevent the larvae from wandering.  The larvae feed on Dead Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Willow, Sallow and they especially like Comfrey and Borage. They often browse on other hedgerow plants.

Pupation is amongst litter at the base of the foodplant and the magnificent day-flying moths emerge in June. Pairing is easy. Eggs are laid loose in the herbage and the tiny larvae feed for a while before hibernation at the base of the foodplant.
 

Hibernation in captivity can be achieved by sleeving the young larvae on a branch of Salix, Willow or Sallow. The accumulation of autumn leaves makes an ideal environment for the hibernating larvae which re-appear when the buds begin to open in March. In nature eggs are scattered loose amongst the foliage that the larvae like to feed on. The young larvae feed and grow for some weeks before hibernating deep in the base of ground foliage. In spring they resume feeding - their spectacular yellow and black patterning making a striking site on green foliage.

Scarlet Tigers fly by day - a wonderful sight on a sunny June day.