# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Gardens and fields - **Also known as:** Great Tiger Moth, Tiger Moth ![Garden Tiger Moth](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426203/objects/5555.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Arctia ## 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 - **Warning Coloration:** Garden Tiger Moth has vibrant hindwings that help them warn predators of their toxicity when disturbed. - **Chemical Defense:** Garden Tiger Moth can release foul-tasting compounds because they help them deter predators from eating them. - **Sonic Deterrent:** Garden Tiger Moth can produce clicking sounds that help them jam the sonar of hunting bats. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — A common food source for Garden Tiger Moth caterpillars. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Garden Tiger Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Kolmårdens djurpark](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kolm-rdens-djurpark) — Östergötland County, SE · Zoo - [Fort Washakie](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-washakie) — Wyoming, US · Historic Site - [Kettle Falls Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kettle-falls-historic-district) — Minnesota, US · Historic District [View all places to see Garden Tiger Moth](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/garden-tiger-moth) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Garden Tiger Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-tiger-moth)