Garden tiger moth

[Smokeface]

Morning all.

Well I was at work yesterday and I found a very big Garden Tiger Moth sitting on our water cooler and was absolutely amazed at it colours and patterns. I gave it a prod and it was still alive but not moving much so I just left it there.

The next day (today) it was still lying there but alive so I scooped it up in a cup and put a drop of water in. It soon started to drink. I looked online and these moths are very rare nowadays especially so far up north.

I'm going to take it home at lunch and stick it in my grow room to get some warmth and I'll put a bit of fruit in there to see if it will eat anything.
Later tonight if it gets better I will release it when night falls as they are nocturnal.

I really hope I can save this fascinating creature as we live it a very delicate world and these insects need looking after.

You should have a look on google images and see the beauty for yourselfs.

Peace

Smokeface

P.s. I logged this siting with the British butterfly and moth website so they can track the numbers of them more easily.

[gbcheeky]

hope you aint putting it under a HPS mate, i imagen itll be attracted to the light, and burn its self?

[Iceni Seeds]

Amazed there still here in britain, Good luck ... You should avoid handling the moths. It is useful to have small containers to put them in while you identify them - transparent pots or jam jars are ideal.

Keep us informed fella.

[THE DUDE ABIDES]

Nice one Smokeface, maybe give it a little honey, diluted in water. I think they feed on the nectar of night flowering plants.
All good things
TDA

[Stimpy]

Had one on my decking last summer, amazing arent they. I took a load of pics but can only find this one, it aint that gooda pic either.

62996

[Smokeface]

No it's not under the hps light. Lolz

I transferred it home in a plastic tub and was extremely gentle with it.

I did read that they are nocturnal and are nectar feeders but never thought about giving it honey.

It's in a warm area just now and I gave it some water which it drank and also put a slice of grape to see if it would feed.

I will give it some honey in a minute.

I managed to save a big butterfly last year in the same surcumstances and it survived then flew out the window.

@ Stimpy.

That is a bloody beauty. Mine never looked like that but equally impressive. Mine is bright orange and blood red with camouflage wings!!!!

Smokefce

[pete123]

I hate moths :o, although yeah you best watch, the might may kill it.

[up2nogood]

I know you thought you was being kind but you should have left it where it was or put it near flowers..best thing is too just leave those type of things where they are..

[THE DUDE ABIDES]

I hate moths :o, although yeah you best watch, the might may kill it.

You shouldn't 'hate' animals pete, many are interesting and beautiful, biodiversity is where it's at. If they eat your plants, then deal with them, if they don't, respect and admire them.
Agree up2. most 'things' are best left alone (young birds, mammals etc) but nectar feeding insects can be 'helped on their way' by a quick feed of honey, done it loads of times, mostly with honey or bumble bees but also the odd moth or butterfly.
All good things
TDA

[Stimpy]

Mine is bright orange and blood red with camouflage wings!!!!

Smokefce

Apparently there are loads of types mate. I tried to identify it when I found it and google showed me loads of them.

[Ganesha]

I know you thought you was being kind but you should have left it where it was or put it near flowers..best thing is too just leave those type of things where they are..

Can't imagine the natural habitat for a Tiger Moth is a water cooler? Best rescued so well done Smokeface.

I remember seeing Hawkshead Moths on Skopelos when I was on holiday years ago. Incredible creatures. They were hovering around the huge Hibiscus shrub in our garden flicking their tongues into the flowers with such accuracy that I thought they were Humming Birds. Then I realised (DOH!) that I was in Greece so they couldn't be. LOL.

Next day there was one on the wall of the house. It was outstanding - full SS Deaths Head regalia & all. V impressive indeed.

I love moths. Shame on you pete123. Perhaps you'll learn in time.

No moth or butterfly action at all in my garden. I think the Dragonflies from a few doors down eat them before they get a chance. Shame but it means my courgettes get a better chance so every cloud, eh?

[Smokeface]

Well I just came across another Garden Tiger Moth at work again this morning.

Unfortunately it was dead but quite a large one.

I logged the sighting on line to keep track of numbers.

The good thing is that they seem to be thriving up here.

Bloody amazing creature.

What I want to see next is a HUMMING-BIRD HAWK MOTH!!!!

They are super cool.

Smokeface