The stripey Cinnabar caterpillar feeds on Ragwort and eventually turns into the spectacular Cinnabar Moth. But, according to many, Ragwort is poisonous to horses, cattle and even humans. I am trying to read up about this and it seems as though large animals avoid the plant because of its bitter taste and it is only poisonous to humans if eaten. So today I cut down some ragwort plants in the paddock but left those on which were several orange and black caterpillars. In any event it is extremely difficult to eliminate the plant so let’s hope there will be plenty of brightly coloured moths to compensate for the risk.
gfreedmanblog 
I agree with you on this, leave a little for future generations, I didn’t know, until you mentioned it, that Ragwort is the favoured food of the Cinnabar moth, and I have read up too, my book says ” the caterpillars have been used in some places to control this weed”.
I remember it well!!!
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