Cymbalophora pudica

[jonagius]

Hi folks,

Here is a beauty of a moth for you to enjoy:

Species: Cymbalophora pudica (Esper, [1785])
Family: Arctiidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Common Name: The Mediterranean Tiger Moth
Maltese Name: Iż-Żarżur
Flight period: Sep - Oct in 1 generation.
Distribution: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Malta, and all central Mediterranean Islands.
Local status: A very common moth in Autumn. Commonly met under street lamps having MV bulbs.
Larval foodplants: Gramineae, Taraxacum
Similar species: none in Malta.
Notes: The males of this species emit a low high-pitched sound when flying, hence it's Maltese name.

[MWP admin]

By chance, is this the larva of the 'tiger moth' ?

[MWP admin]

Another pic which I forgot to add...

If YES, I have a story to tell.