Wood Tiger

An unmistakable moth, the Wood Tiger is easily disturbed by day from low vegetation and in sunny weather, the males may be seen flying erratically. The female is more sluggish and is mostly active at night or in the late afternoon.

The caterpillars can be found between July and early May, overwintering in this stage as a half-grown larva, low down in the vegetation. In the spring they will pupate in a cocoon spun among plant stems before emerging as an adult a couple of weeks later.

Flight Season

Flies from late May to July in one generation.

Size and Family

• Family – Tigers and ermines moths (Arctiinae)
• Medium Sized
• Wingspan Range – 32-38mm

Conservation status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common resident but declining.

Caterpillar Food Plants

Caterpillars feed on a range of herbaceous plants, including Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Greater Plantain (Plantago major), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) and Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).

Habitat

Can be found on moorland, heathland, downland, acid grassland and other scrubby places, including open areas in woodland.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
• Widespread but local in England and Wales but more densely distributed in mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland.