Moth with only forewings showing, which have a striking black and cream pattern

Jersey Tiger Moth. Photo: Heather Bale

Spotted by Heather in her Poole garden on 31/07/2019.

This striking moth has only been resident in this country for a short while, but is now well established along the south coast of Devon and Dorset, along to Sussex and Kent. Its caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants, which must be helping it to thrive.

34 thoughts on “Jersey Tiger Moth Poole

  1. Heather Smith

    Found one in our bathroom in Surrey close to London this evening. It was probably blown here due to today’s weather!

    Reply
    1. Lyn

      Thanks for letting us know. If you would like the Dorset Moth Group to record it, it’s best to use livingrecord.net so they can pick it up from there. The Jersey Tiger cetainly seems to be becoming more common than it was.

      Reply
  2. Bridget Stroud

    Just found one on front door step in New Malden Surrey
    Never seen one here before. Strong wind today must have blown it in.

    Reply
    1. Christine Smith

      I spottecd one flying down the road near Lidl in Leatherhead the other day. We had two resting on the ivy about this time last year in Effingham and I spotted one flying near our conservatory the other day hope it has either returned or stayed here.

      Reply
  3. Barbara Parry

    Just saw one in my garden in Kingston upon Thames.
    As it flew it was bright yellow on top and I thought it was a butterfly.
    Have a photo of it resting but not yet showing it’s upper colour.

    Reply
    1. Barbara Parry

      Just realised I got the colours the wrong way round!
      It was yellow underneath as flew past me but when settled with it’s wings closed, then the black and white is on top.
      And just a couple of days ago there was a beautiful Peacock butterfly in the garden too.
      First time I’ve ever seen either of them here in Kingston upon Thames.

      Reply
    1. Lyn Pullen Post author

      Thanks Ellie – they are very eye-catching, aren’t they? For all of you who live outside Dorset, please report your moth sightings to your local moth group: I’m sure they would like to hear from you!

      Reply
  4. Mary Fannon

    Was visited by one last night in Plymouth, Devon. First time experience of seeing one at close proximity. Very striking. Zebra stripes on topside. A beautiful orange pink colour underside. I was in awe!

    Reply
  5. Mr Christopher Ellery

    Saw one in my garden couple of weeks ago and initially struggled to identify it as thought it was a brightly colored butterfly at first. Had another get into my kitchen tonight and carefully caught it in a net bag and gently put it back outside. I have not seen these before in Old Poundbury Dorchester.

    Reply

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