Arctia caja

Irish status: Widespread

Garden Tiger - Quite a large moth with a wingspan of 45-65 mm. This moth will feed on nettles and other such herbaceous plants. It is a strikingly beautiful moth with vibrant colour to act as a warning that its body fluids are poisonous. It is a nocturnal moth which is attracted to light. It prefers damp places such as riversides but will also visit grasslands and gardens. These photographed in Co. Leitrim in early July.

John Foss Nature Photography Birds Wild Flowers Wildlife Butterflies Moths Greaghnafarna Ballinaglera Ireland Leitrim Derby England UK Algarve Portugal