Tiger moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)

The Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)—known in Estonia as the Kevadkaruslane (the “Spring Bear”) or Roostetiib—is a master of the “bait and switch.” At rest, it looks like a dull, triangular piece of rusty wood; but the moment it takes flight, it reveals a flash of brilliant carmine red that serves as a high-visibility warning to anything with an appetite.

Based on the macro galleries and observations at karits.eu, here is an exploration of this vibrant member of the Erebidae family.

1. The “Aposematic” Alarm

The Ruby Tiger is a textbook example of aposematism (warning coloration).

• The Forewings: These are a somber reddish-brown, often with a subtle metallic sheen. They provide excellent camouflage when the moth is resting on bark or dry leaves during the day.
• The Hindwings: Hidden beneath the “cloak” of the forewings are startlingly bright pink or ruby-red hindwings decorated with black spots.
• The Defense: If a bird or lizard ignores the camouflage and attacks, the moth flashes its red wings. This signals that it contains unpalatable chemicals derived from the plants it ate as a caterpillar. Many tiger moths can even produce ultrasonic clicks to jam the “sonar” of hunting bats.

2. The “Woolly Bear” Marathon

The caterpillars of the Ruby Tiger are almost as famous as the adults. Known as “woolly bears,” they are covered in dense, foxy-red or dark brown hairs.

• The Hibernator: Unlike many insects that spend the winter as an egg or pupa, the Ruby Tiger overwinters as a fully grown caterpillar.
• The Spring Wake-up: They are often the first thing you see moving in early spring. As soon as the snow melts, these furry speedsters can be seen scurrying across paths and roads in search of a place to pupate. Their hairs aren’t just for show—they act as a physical deterrent and can cause mild skin irritation to humans.

3. A Double-Generation Life

In temperate regions like Estonia, the Ruby Tiger is often bivoltine, meaning it produces two generations in a single year:

• The Spring Flight (May–June): These are the individuals that overwintered as caterpillars.
• The Summer Flight (August–September): These are the offspring of the spring generation, often appearing larger and more vibrant due to the abundance of summer food.

📸 Photographer’s Perspective: Catching the Red Flash

The Ruby Tiger presents a unique challenge: its most beautiful feature is usually hidden.

• The Sunbath Strategy: While primarily nocturnal, the Ruby Tiger is a “sun-lover” compared to other moths. On warm, sunny afternoons, they can often be found basking on low vegetation. This is your best chance to capture them with their wings slightly parted, revealing the red abdomen and hindwings.
• Macro Texture: The “fur” on the thorax is incredibly dense. To capture the individual hairs without them turning into a “blurry fuzz,” use a fast shutter speed (around 1/500s) and a steady tripod.
• Focus on the “Comma”: Each forewing has a tiny, black, comma-shaped spot near the center. Using this as your focal point helps ground the image and provides a sharp contrast to the soft, rusty texture of the wings.
• Night Photography: Like most moths, they are highly attracted to light. If you are using a light trap, wait for them to settle on a nearby trunk or leaf rather than shooting them on the white sheet—this provides a more natural, “wild” context for your shots.

Quick Facts Table

Check out the full 2024 and 2025 collections of the Ruby Tiger at karits.eu.

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