Garden Tiger Moth Caterpillar

Widely distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, found in gardens, hedgerows, open woodlands, meadows, and scrubland.

Polyphagous, meaning it feeds on a wide variety of herbaceous plants, including nettle, dock, dandelion, plantain, bramble, and fruit trees.

Caterpillars are active feeders and are covered in dense, long hairs (setae), giving them a 'woolly bear' appearance. They overwinter as caterpillars and resume feeding in spring before pupating. When disturbed, they may roll into a ball as a defense mechanism. The adult moths are nocturnal.

The hairs of the caterpillar can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals if handled. They are generally considered benign and are part of the natural food web. As adults, they are pollinators to some extent, and the caterpillars contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling by consuming plant matter.