Garden tiger moth vs Scarlet tiger moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a garden tiger moth from a scarlet tiger moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Garden tiger moth
Arctia caja
Scarlet tiger moth
Callimorpha dominula
≠The key differences
Arctia caja has heavily patterned forewings (brown and cream) and orange hindwings with black markings; it is generally larger and more intricately patterned than C. dominula.
⚖︎Side by side
| Garden tiger moth | Scarlet tiger moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Irritating hairs | Non-toxic |
| Size | 45-65 mm wingspan | 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Brown, Cream/Off-white, Orange-red, Blue-black | Black, Scarlet red, Cream, Dark brown |
| Family | Erebidae | Erebidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, meadows, marsh edges, hedgerows and other herb-rich, moderately damp places | Flower-rich meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, gardens and disturbed grassland in temperate regions. |
| Range | Temperate Europe and northern Asia, and across much of northern North America; absent from the coldest arctic zones | Widespread across temperate Europe and parts of western Asia; present in Britain, continental Europe and regions around the Black Sea. |
| Active | Adults fly in summer (usually June-August in temperate Europe and North America); crepuscular to nocturnal | Adults fly in early to mid summer (mainly June-July); day-flying and also active at dusk. Caterpillars overwinter and feed again in spring. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a garden tiger moth
- Forewings strongly patterned brown with cream/white patches and wavy lines
- Hindwings bright orange-red with several large round dark blue-black spots
- Medium-large wingspan (about 45-65 mm) and a hairy robust body
- Larvae are densely hairy 'woolly bears' typically dark with reddish-orange bands or tufts
🔍How to spot a scarlet tiger moth
- Bright red hindwings with several round black spots — clearly visible in flight or when wings are opened.
- Glossy dark forewings with irregular creamy-white or yellowish patches and spots.
- Day-flying behaviour and a robust, hairy body typical of tiger moths.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a garden tiger moth and a scarlet tiger moth?
Arctia caja has heavily patterned forewings (brown and cream) and orange hindwings with black markings; it is generally larger and more intricately patterned than C. dominula.
Is a garden tiger moth or a scarlet tiger moth more dangerous?
Garden tiger moth: Irritating hairs. Scarlet tiger moth: Non-toxic. Adults do not bite or sting and are not dangerous. Not venomous and not known to cause systemic poisoning.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.