Scarlet Tiger Moth

Description:

Callimorpha dominula has a wingspan of 45–55 millimetres (1.8–2.2 in). Adults of this species are quite variable in color. The forewings usually have a metallic green sheen on the blackish areas, with white and yellow or orange markings. Hindwings are red with three large and irregular black markings. These moths may also occur in rare colour forms, one with yellow hindwings and body and one with extended black on hindwings. The thorax is black glossed with green and shows two longitudinal short yellow stripes. [6] The abdomen is black. Scarlet tiger moth has developed mouthparts, that allow it to feed on nectar.[4] The caterpillars can reach a length of about 40 millimetres (1.6 in). They are dark gray with yellow stripes and small white dots.

Habitat:

In our garden.

Notes:

We found this moth resting on the sofa. It was clearly tired, so we put a tiny amount of sugar water next to it, it was soon drinking and even let our son stroke its wings lightly. (EDIT) We now realize it's headless, which would explain the lack of movement etc.