Garden Tiger Moth Arctia caja
The above photo showing the red and blue-black under-wings was kindly provided by Darren Parsons,
taken in August 2013 and posted on animalphotos.me Facebook page.
The above photo was kindly provided by Jeff Davies,
taken at his home in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales in late July 2011.
The Garden Tiger is an attractive moth with a dark brown and cream patterned forewing and a red body and underwing.
The colours and patterns warn predators that the moth is toxic and distasteful; the red flash will also frighten small predators.
The moth is usually nocturnal and has declined by 90% in the last 30 years.
Wingspan 45-65mm; UK flight time Jun-Aug.
The above photo was kindly provided by Tim Johnson, taken at Wicken Fen in August 2013.
The above photo was kindly provided by Christine Ryalls, taken near Edinburgh, August 2012.
The caterpillar is large, furry and dark brown.