Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar Pin

Cinnabar moth caterpillars (Tyria jacobaeae) are a striking, striped caterpillar commonly found on yellow ragwort plants. If disturbed, they curl up just like the caterpillar on the pin. Named after the red mineral cinnabar, a toxic mercury, due to the vibrant red of the adult moths and the fact the caterpillars absorb the toxins from ragwort plants, making them toxic themselves. 

These caterpillars and moths are under threat with a 71% decline due to habitat loss of the yellow ragwort plants they solely rely on. Many people remove ragwort out of fear of its toxicity and misinformation, but it is perfectly safe around people and typically only a risk to grazing animals when it's cut and dry. 

This metal pin captures the Cinnabar caterpillar curled up. The caterpillar illustration is UV printed onto the metal to preserve all the drawing's details. 

Otter Pin Details:

• Size: 30mm Pin
• Material: nickel-plated metal pin with a UV-printed detailed illustration
• Clasp: silver metal pin-back
• Packaging: Presented on an illustrated backing card 
• Gift to: Moth lovers, conservationists,