Garden Tiger Moth

Posted by Jon on Jun 8, 2010 in Moths & Butterflies | 0 comments

Another sign that the summer is here – the woolly bear caterpillar is emerging as the colourful Garden Tiger Moth with it’s vivid orange wings and body warning predators that it isn’t a tasty snack and should be avoided.

This one must have just emerged with its wings still damp and curled. They need to hang upside down until their wings are dry and therefore lighter, and it can support them outstretched. This drying out period is one of the most risky moments of the lifecycle as they are bright enough to attract attention but have no way of fleeing. Hopefully this one escaped the gaze of our chickens!