Key information
The garden tiger is a stout, hairy moth. Its forewings are chocolatey-brown with cream patterns, whereas its hindwings are orangey-red with black spots. Its bright colours warn predators that it tastes unpleasant.
The garden tiger is a widespread species and can be found throughout the UK, however numbers have decreased in recent years.
Its brown and black, exceedingly hairy caterpillar is often called a 'woolly bear'. The hairs are irritant and protect it from predators, such as birds – be warned in case you pick one up! Garden tigers overwinter as caterpillars.
What they eat:
Adults drink nectar from flowers. Caterpillars eat low-growing, herbaceous plants.
Measurements:
- Wingspan:
- About 50mm
