Wild Wednesday – Garden tiger moth
This week we shine a spotlight on one of Britain's most striking insects, the garden tiger moth, scientific name, Arctia caja. With its bold patterns and vibrant colours, this remarkable moth looks more like a tropical species than a resident of our gardens, meadows and coastal landscapes.
A moth with a roar
At first glance, this moth's forewings are beautifully camouflaged with chocolate-brown and cream markings. However, if disturbed, it suddenly reveals bright orange-red hindwings decorated with bold blue-black spots, a dramatic display designed to warn predators that it is not an easy meal. It can even produce a rasping sound and release defensive fluids when threatened.
The adult moth can be seen flying during July and August, while its caterpillar, better known as the familiar 'woolly bear' is active from late summer through to the following spring.
The famous woolly bear
The caterpillars are covered in long black and ginger-brown hairs, giving them their cuddly nickname. Despite appearances, it is best not to handle them unnecessarily. These hungry caterpillars feed on a variety of plants, including nettles, docks, burdock and many common garden plants.
Unlike many caterpillars, woolly bears 'overwinter' and can often be spotted on mild winter days, searching for food or basking in the sunshine.
A species in decline
Although once widespread and common across Britain, the garden tiger moth has experienced a significant decline in recent decades, particularly in south-east England. Scientists and conservationists believe this may be linked to changes in land management, the loss of rough grassland and 'messy' habitats and the increasing tidying of gardens and countryside vegetation.
Today, the garden tiger is considered a priority species for conservation and is closely monitored by wildlife organisations.
The garden tiger moth in West Sussex
West Sussex still provides suitable habitat for this moth thanks to its mix of coastal sand dunes, wet meadows, woodland edges, river corridors and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Areas such as the Arun Valley (landscape where the River Arun cuts through the chalk hills of the South Downs, on its way from Horsham down to the sea at Littlehampton), local nature reserves and the county's coastal habitats can all support the plants that Woolly Bear caterpillars depend upon. The species' preference for open habitats means even a wild corner of your garden could become a valuable home.
How we can help
If you'd like to support garden tiger moths and other wildlife:
- leave a small area of your garden wild
- avoid using pesticides where possible
- grow native plants that support caterpillars and pollinators
Did you know?
The garden tiger moth's bright colours are a classic example of a warning signal in nature. While many insects try to hide from predators, this moth warns that it is unpleasant to eat. Its caterpillar's hairy coat and the adult's vivid wings help keep birds and other predators at bay.
So next time you're out enjoying West Sussex's green spaces, keep an eye out for a furry woolly bear or a flash of orange-red wings. You may just have encountered one of Britain's most spectacular moths.
Read more here: Garden tiger moth | The Wildlife Trusts