Maltese ruby tiger moth
The Maltese ruby tiger moth is a subspecies of moth endemic to the Maltese Islands. It was first described by Otto Bang-Haas in 1927. It belongs to the subfamily Arctiinae.General features
This moth, known as the rubin in Maltese, has a wingspan of 30–35 mm. Its head and body are hairy; head and thorax reddish brown; abdomen red with black spots; wings translucent; forewing reddish brown with black reniform spot; hindwing bright pink with black discal spot and uneven black spotting along outer margin.
The caterpillar looks rather furry, a feature common in Arctiinae caterpillars, which are known as "woolly bears".Food
The caterpillar feeds on borage , and on bugloss.Population
The Maltese ruby tiger moth, although endemic, is common throughout the Maltese Islands.
