Garden Tiger Moth

• the garden tiger is a large, (wingspan 50-78mm) brightly coloureded moth that can be found in your garden
• the colours on this moth are spectacular; the forewings are dark chocolate brown with ochreous white streaks and patches
• when disturbed it readily displays the hindwings which are orange-red with a series of deep blue-centred, black spots
• they get their name from the tiger-like stripes on their forewings
• the adult moths emerge from their cocoons throughout July and August, laying their eggs on common plants such as nettles and docks
• look out for this colourful moth through the country from late June to the second half of August
• the large, black and hairy caterpillars hatch and start to feed in September, munching their way through the winter and spring
• these are often seen wandering across paths and roads in search of a suitable pupation site
• the caterpillar looks really cute and fluffy, but it has poisonous spines on its legs and the hairs can cause irritation to the skin, so don’t be tempted to pick it up!!
• the hairs on the body will cause irritation if touched and protect it from predators, such as birds
• to deter predators the adult moth can make a rasping noise by rubbing its wings together - if that doesn't work it exudes a drop of bright yellow blood from its thorax
• many of the recorded sitings are of larvae, which are commonly referred to as 'woolly bears' or 'granny greybeards'
• in recent years, wetter winters and warmer springs seem to be having a very bad effect on the caterpillar of the garden tiger moth
• the caterpillars feed from September until June of the following year on a wide variety of wild and garden plants including docks, dandelion, stinging nettle and bramble
• street lights confuse the moths which can disrupt their feeding and mating behaviour
• the Garden tiger moth can be found widely in woodland, bogs, coastal heaths and dunes
• the adults are seldom found by day but appear frequently at light and will regularly visit light-traps
• if you have space in your garden, grow some nettles or docks inplant pots - this stops them spreading into your flower borders, but provides food for lots of hungry caterpillars!
• Look for the garden tiger and other moths at Castle Espie on Saturday the 7^th August 2010.