Will they visit?: Black-and-white Tiger Moths will frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Spilosoma glatignyi – Alan Melville (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Spilosoma glatignyi – Jenny Lawrence (CC BY 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Spilosoma glatignyi – Michael Keogh (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Spilosoma glatignyi – Greogrey Cox (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Hiding on the bark of trees and shrubs, will visit bug hotels
Diet: Caterpillars feed on various vegetation
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Food for other wildlife
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Black-and-white Tiger Moths rest on shrubs and on the trunks of native trees, often in large numbers. The caterpillars live in groups and are covered with irritating brown hairs.
Novel Shelter
A template of a bug hotel is illustrated below. Things to consider:
Place several bug hotels throughout the garden to avoid disease spread.
Have several smaller hotels throughout the garden to avoid parasite and predator burden.
Position in a north and east position sheltered with dappled shade.
Keep dry and ensure protection from the rain.
Avoid using insecticides around the garden.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Adult moths do not have functional mouth parts and cannot eat. They survive on the fat stored as a caterpillar. The caterpillars do not have a preferred diet and will eat an array of native plant species. These include native daises, clumping grasses, kangaroo paws, and various shrubs.
Avoid seeds advertised for butterflies and moths as these plants are usually unsuitable for our native moths to breed and have the potential to become serious weeds.
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
Moths a major source of food for other wildlife including birds, reptiles, frogs, bats and other mammals. If you see this moth in your garden, record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
