Tyria jacobaeae*
* listed for information only. This insect is NOT distributed by IWCP.
<<back to tansy ragwort
Common Name
Cinnabar moth
Weeds Impacted
Caterpillars can completely defoliate tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) but are known to feed on native and horticultural species of Senecio and Packera.
Insect Description/Field Identification
The black-and-orange banded caterpillars (larvae) are unmistakable in the field. Newly hatched larvae are primarily black with small orange stripes but become distinctly orange with black stripes as they grow. Larvae hatch from eggs in mid-spring to summer and are found on bolting or flowering tansy ragwort leaves and stems. Adult moths have a 27 to 35 mm (1 to almost 1.5 inch) wingspan. Forewings are black with a red leading edge and two red dots near the tip; hind or underwings are bright solid red. Adults can be found in mid- to late-spring and occasionally in the fall in cooler areas.
Availability
This agent is NOT distributed by IWCP because of non-target feeding on species other than tansy ragwort.
Comments
While T. jacobaeae has been effective in reducing stand density and spread of tansy ragwort, particularly in conjunction with the root flea beetle, Longitarsus jacobaeae, larvae also feed on two native species (Senecio triangularis and Packera pseudarea) and one ornamental species (S. bicolor, or dusty miller). Further redistribution of the moth is discouraged in many areas, especially at sites where native Senecio and Packera are known to occur or where plant communities have not been surveyed.
References
Coombs, E. M., J. K. Clark, G. L. Piper, and A. F. Cofrancesco, Jr. 2004. Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the United States. Western Society of Weed Science, Oregon State Univ. Press, Corvallis.
Photo Credits
IWCP staff
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