Garden Tiger-Arctia caja

Garden Tiger-Arctia caja The moth is from the family Erebidae subfamily: Arctiinae With a wingspan of 45-65 mm. This species was a favorite with early collectors, who selectively bred it to create unusual colours and forms. This spectacular moth was once widespread and common throughout the county but is getting rarer. Although its markings are very varied, which has led to many learned studies, the moth's forewings are usually brown, crossed with white lines, while the hindwings are red or occasionally yellow, with big black spots which have deep-blue centers. It as one generation and flies from July and August and flies mainly at night and will regularly visit light traps. However, can be found during the day, so is often mistaken for a butterfly. This moth shows a preference for gardens, water meadows, marshes, fens, sand dunes, and open woodland. The caterpillars are the 'woolly bears' of many people's childhood and feed on several herbaceous plants. Once a quite common moth in most of Britain, it seems to have declined in many places in the last few years. However, UK Status for this species is classified as common.

Tags: Garden Tiger - Arctia caja