Garden Tiger Moth
ExploreInsects
Garden Tiger Moth
Arctia caja
The Garden Tiger Moth is a fuzzy moth with striking orange and black markings. It loves to fly around gardens at night!
Habitat: Gardens and fields
Appearance
The Garden Tiger Moth has striking forewings, typically brownish with creamy white lines, that hide vibrant orange or red hindwings dotted with bold black spots. Its body is noticeably hairy, giving it a fuzzy appearance. This bold pattern makes it easily distinguishable from other moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusArctia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
It flies mainly at night, navigating by the light of the moon and stars!
Its furry body helps it stay warm when flying on cool summer nights!
Its super-hairy caterpillar can survive freezing solid during winter!
This fuzzy moth uses its bold colors to warn hungry birds to stay away!
Special abilities
Ability
Warning Coloration
Garden Tiger Moth has vibrant hindwings that help them warn predators of their toxicity when disturbed.
Ability
Chemical Defense
Garden Tiger Moth can release foul-tasting compounds because they help them deter predators from eating them.
Ability
Sonic Deterrent
Garden Tiger Moth can produce clicking sounds that help them jam the sonar of hunting bats.
Ability
Frost Survival (Caterpillar)
Garden Tiger Moth caterpillars can survive freezing solid in winter that helps them endure cold climates.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 45-65 mm
- Size
- 25-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Its fuzzy caterpillars munch on leaves, but grown-up moths prefer not to eat at all!
Age differences: Caterpillars are herbivores, feeding on a variety of low-growing plants, while adults typically do not feed or occasionally sip nectar.
Primary Foods
- nettle
- dandelion
- dock
- bramble
- honeysuckle
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Birds, especially robins, prey on the moth.
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Bats are key nocturnal predators of adult moths.
eats
Common Nettle
Urtica dioica
Caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant.
eats
Common Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
A common food source for Garden Tiger Moth caterpillars.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Great Tiger MothTiger Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Tiger Moth's wingspan?
45-65 mm
How big is Garden Tiger Moth?
25-35 mm
How long does Garden Tiger Moth live?
7-14 days
What does Garden Tiger Moth eat?
Its fuzzy caterpillars munch on leaves, but grown-up moths prefer not to eat at all!
Where is Garden Tiger Moth usually found?
Gardens and fields
How does Garden Tiger Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Garden Tiger Moth have?
6
Snap Map
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