Scarlet tiger moths - good year?

[Monkey Orchid]

I have been seeing (in May and June) scarlet tiger moths reasonably frequently, in areas I wouldn't normally expect - e.g. in central urban areas of Reading, in a town garden in a housing estate in Newbury.

I know that this is a reasonably common day-flying moth, and I have often seen them flying around the Thames, but I don't recall seeing them quite so regularly or in such built-up areas before. Does anyone know if 2009 has been a good year for the species?

[aeshna5]

I don't know about Scarlet Tigers, but there's a good population of Jersey Tigers in parts of south London, with many recent reports from some overground stations there. These have been present for a few years now.

[Jenny W]

Again, I don't know about Scarlet Tigers specifically, but this year has been good for moths generally, so it's possible they could be doing well at the moment. The only things that don't appear to be doing too well are the Yellow Underwings, Noctua spp. (as in my thread from a few days ago).

[agrumpycow]

I have definitely seen more Scarlet Tiger moths this year - it's interesting you mention Reading because that's where I am and have seen them. We've even had them in the house, which I've not noticed before