Jersey Tiger Moths: A Flash of Wild Beauty
One of my favourite summer visitors to the garden is the Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria). With its bold black-and-white striped wings and the sudden flash of fiery orange beneath, it always feels like a small piece of magic has landed nearby.
A decade ago, you’d have been lucky to spot a Jersey tiger moth in the UK outside the Channel Islands or South Devon. Today, they’re turning up more frequently across southern England and even in cities like London.
Their spread is fascinating: on one hand, it’s wonderful to see such a striking species thriving; on the other, it raises questions. Is this just nature adapting, or another sign of climate change shifting native species out of balance?
Where to see Jersey tiger moths in the UK?
Have you spotted a Jersey Tiger?
If you’re curious about whether they’ve reached your area, there’s a fantastic live map of butterfly and moth sightings in the UK created from data collected by Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
Habitats
Jersey tiger moths are nectar-feeding day-flying moths, so you’ll usually spot them on flowers that provide easy access to nectar. They’re not fussy, but they do have some favourites. You’d most often see them on:
Buddleia (butterfly bush) – very common, they flock to the purple flowers.
Hemp-agrimony – one of their top nectar sources, especially in late summer.
Brambles (blackberries) – they feed on the flowers.
Ivy flowers – especially in September when many other nectar sources are fading.
Other wildflowers like thistles, ragwort, knapweed, and fleabane.
You can read more about the Jersey Tiger here and get inspired to sign up to join the count.
Next time you’re in the garden or walking near wildflowers, keep an eye out, you might just glimpse those bold stripes and bright orange wings. It’s a fleeting moment worth holding onto.
Wild Hedge Products inspired by the Jersey Tiger
For me, each sighting is a reminder to slow down, look closely, and celebrate the wild lives around us. They’ve even inspired one of my artworks, you can find in my store, created as a way to share that same sense of wonder.
