Arctia Caja, original watercolor art

The Arctia caja, commonly known as the Garden Tiger Moth, is a striking nocturnal insect found across much of the Northern Hemisphere. It is famous for its "warning coloration": chocolate-brown forewings with a white, giraffe-like pattern and bright orange-red hindwings decorated with dark blue spots.

These bold colors aren't just for show—they signal to predators that the moth is highly toxic. If a bird or bat isn't deterred by the visual warning, the moth can also spray an irritating fluid from glands behind its head.

A fun fact about this species involves its larval form, the "Woolly Bear" caterpillar. These fuzzy, black-and-ginger caterpillars are exceptionally hardy; they can survive being frozen solid during the winter, thanks to a specialized chemical in their blood that acts as a natural antifreeze!

This piece is currently exhibited as part of the ENTOMOCOSMOS, mutual project of the Museum and me as an artist. 

Watercolor and ink, 100% cotton ARCHES paper.

Dimensions: 31 x 41 cm | 12.2 x 16.1 in (delivered in a tube)

Can be framed upon personal request.