Emerging on warm summer nights, the garden tiger appears almost ordinary at first glance, with chocolate-brown forewings patterned in cream and white. But when disturbed, it reveals a spectacular flash of bright scarlet-red hindwings marked with bold black spots – a vivid warning to predators that this is not an easy meal.

Once a familiar sight across much of the UK, the garden tiger moth has declined significantly in recent decades as habitats have been lost or tidied up, and is now recognised as a Priority Species for conservation. It thrives in places that can sometimes look a little untidy to us: wildflower-rich grasslands, woodland edges, hedgerows, wetlands, coastal dunes and overgrown corners of gardens. 

Its caterpillar is almost as famous as the adult moth. Known as the ‘woolly bear’, it is covered in dense black and ginger hairs and can often be seen from late summer through to spring. These furry caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants, including nettles, docks and other common wildflowers, helping them survive in a range of habitats.

The garden tiger moth has evolved several clever ways to avoid becoming dinner. The woolly bear's hairs are irritating and help deter predators, while the adult moth's bright red hindwings act as a warning signal. If threatened, the moth can even produce a rasping sound by rubbing parts of its wings together, creating yet another line of defence against hungry birds and mammals.

Moths play a vital role in our ecosystems, serving as pollinators and as food for bats, birds and other wildlife. Leaving patches of long grass, allowing nettles to grow in suitable areas and providing a range of nectar-rich plants can all help support moths and other important insects.

July evenings provide an excellent opportunity to look for garden tiger moths. They are attracted to light and may occasionally visit gardens, particularly those managed with wildlife in mind.