The larvae of the Cinnabar moth
Where did you see it?
On the Eagle Scout trail between the Beginning School and Vermont (aka The Story Forest or the Helicopter-Mushroom Trail)
What did you notice?
There are a lot of them! (late June). They were in clusters all along the trail (see photo).
Measurements: None taken.
Is it native?
No. Cinnabar moths were introduced in North America to control ragwort.
What does it eat?
Tansy ragwort and groundsel.
Interesting: As moths they are black and red. Females lay clusters of 30-60 eggs at a time. Larvae feed near the area of their old eggs. Moths are day-flying. Few predators because of toxins. Look for reddish-brown chrysalids/pupae on the ground. Moths emerge in spring.
More info:
http://www.almostdailynews.com/2012/06/03/the-heroic-cinnabar-moth-evil-tansy-ragworts-natural-enemy/
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