Moth friend or foe?

[Plotlady]

I have noticed a rather unusual moth around my plot lately. It is dark grey to almost black with crimson markings. It quite small and seems to be rather torpid in this wet/cold weather. Can anyone tell me if it's friend or foe?
Thanks Julia

[SueA]

Hi Plotlady, could be cinnabar or 5 or 6 Spot burnet moths?
http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/in...ria_jacobaeae/
http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/in...lae_stephensi/
I don't think you need to be worried about them as the caterpillars tend to feed on wildflowers, ragwort, groundsel & vetch & shouldn't harm anything & the moths are beautiful.

[Flummery]

They are very colourful and quite benign. Nice to be able to say that!

[Plotlady]

Thanks for the info. I'm glad it's a friend as you're quite right it is very beautiful especially in flight or when sunbathing (which is a rare site!)