About Callimorpha dominula (Linnaeus, 1758)
Callimorpha dominula, commonly known as the scarlet tiger moth, has a wingspan ranging from 45–55 millimetres (1.8–2.2 in). Adults of this species show considerable variation in color. Their forewings typically have a metallic-green sheen on blackish areas, alongside white and yellow or orange markings. Hindwings are red, marked with three large, irregular black spots. Rare color forms of this moth also exist: one has yellow hindwings and body, while another has extended black coloring across the hindwings. The thorax is black with a green gloss and features two short longitudinal yellow stripes, and the abdomen is entirely black. Scarlet tiger moths have fully developed mouthparts that let them feed on nectar. Fully grown caterpillars reach a length of approximately 40 millimetres (1.6 in); they are dark gray with yellow stripes and small white dots. This species is found across most of Europe and the Near East, including Turkey, the South Caucasus, and northern Iran. These moths favor damp habitats such as wet meadows, river banks, fens, and marshes, but can also occur on rocky cliffs near the sea.
