Ecomare

The cinnabar moth is a common moth in open dunes. Although it is categorized as a moth, this insect is active during the day. You can find them fluttering about between April and mid August. The notable black-yellow striped caterpillars live off of ragwort. Some people call these caterpillars zebra caterpillars, due to their pattern. Sometimes, they will leave this toxic plant totally bare. They store the poison in their skin, which makes them toxic as well. The combination of yellow and black is a well known warning for danger in nature. Just think of wasps! The moths are also toxic.