Subject: Tyria jacobaeae moth caterpillar
Geographic location of the bug: Silverdale, WA
Date: 07/14/2018
Time: 04:22 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I thought you might like a photo of a Tyria jacobaeae (Cinnabar) moth caterpillar, a species introduced into North America to help keep it’s host plant, Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy ragwort- flower shown in photo) from over-proliferating.
Tyria jacobaeae is used in conjunction with Longitarsus jacobaeae (the Tansy ragwort flea beetle) for Tansy population control.
Although Tyria jacobaeae will feed on a couple of native plant species, it is my understanding that the frequency of this occuring does not seem to be of concern.
How you want your letter signed: Bug aficionado
Dear Bug aficionado,
Thanks for sending us a new image of a Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar and also thanks so much for the informative description.