Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar

The caterpillar feeds solely on Ragwort and was apparently introduced into Australia, New Zealand and North America to keep the toxic weed in check.   It eats the leaves of Ragwort and its bright colour is a danger signal to predators, except the Cuckoo which can digest the poison.   The hairs on the caterpillar are poisonous to humans and can cause a nasty rash if touched.     Not a pleasant insect to encounter!
The attractive Cinnabar Moth is black with red patches on its wings and is thought to take its name from the mineral cinnabar.