Category
Moths
Four to find
Buff-tip
Mottled grey forewings, creamy hindwings, a buff-coloured head and forewing patches. At rest, wings wrap around its body so it looks like a birch twig. Caterpillars feed on deciduous trees. Wingspan is 4.4–6.8cm.
Garden Tiger
Forewing patterns are highly variable. Orange hindwings have blue-centred black spots. Wingspan is 5–7.8cm. Caterpillars feed on nettles, dandelions, dock leaves and other garden plants.
Large Emerald
Pale emerald-green with scalloped white lines across the wings and a row of white spots below. Adults rest with wings spread. Wingspan is 5–6cm. Caterpillars like Beech, Hazel, Alder and birches.
Elephant Hawk-moth
Pink and olive-green with white legs and antennae, and black near the body on hindwings. Wingspan 4.5–6cm. Adults feed on nectar from tubular flowers. Caterpillars favour willowherbs, bedstraws and fuchsias.
Watch as Luke from the RSPB reveals what he attracted in his moth trap, filmed during lockdown in 2020. Video: The RSPB
Grow food for moths
There are around 2,500 types of moth in the UK and they’re a key part of the food chain. Sadly, they’re also in decline. But there’s lots we can do in our gardens to boost their numbers. Find out how you can do more for moths in your garden by clicking below.
