Garden tiger moths display a spectacular warning system, pairing chocolate-brown and cream forewings with brilliant orange-red hindwings to deter predators. The highly active, densely hairy caterpillars are known as woolly bears and feed on a vast array of wild and cultivated plants. To defend against bats and birds, these moths can produce high-frequency clicking sounds and release toxic fluids from glands behind their head.
ThreatsClimate warming, habitat fragmentation, and light pollution.
HabitatsGardens, damp meadows, woodlands, and coastal dunes.
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
FamilyErebidae
SpeciesArctia caja
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Caterpillar hairs can irritate skin and all life stages are highly toxic if ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Larvae possess irritating hairs that cause dermatitis, while adults and larvae sequester toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for chocolate-brown and cream patterned forewings paired with bright orange-red hindwings sporting dark blue spots.
What to do
Avoid touching the hairy caterpillars directly; use a leaf to move them if necessary and never ingest any life stage.
Responsible observation
Observe caterpillars safely: Watch the woolly caterpillars crawl on low vegetation without touching their irritating hairs.
Attract with light: Use a gentle UV light trap in midsummer to observe the spectacular adults without harming them.
