Garden Tiger Moth
The Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja) is presented here in high-contrast detail, its dramatic orange hindwings – adorned with bold blue-black spots — partly hidden beneath cryptic, black-and-white patterned forewings. Found across Europe, parts of northern Asia and North America, this species is unmistakable and historically widespread in meadows, gardens, sand dunes, woodland edges, and hedgerows. While once among the most familiar moths, it has declined sharply in many regions in recent decades, especially in Britain.
This moth is celebrated for its striking appearance and remarkable defensive tricks. When threatened, it suddenly reveals its bright hindwings in a ‘flash’ display to startle predators, while its body fluids contain toxins amassed from larval host plants — a vivid warning in both sight and chemistry. The caterpillars — known as ‘woolly bears’ — are also well-known for their dense, bristly hairs and generalist tastes, feeding on a range of wild and garden plants. Garden tiger moths overwinter as caterpillars, mature in spring, and emerge as adults from July to August, often drawn to light on warm nights. The continuing decline of this moth has prompted conservation action in several parts of its range.
This contemporary plate, developed from the Bugs illustration, is printed using the giclée process on heavyweight 250gsm archival matte paper. Rich colour, fine details, and broad white margins make this a vibrant and accurate tribute to one of nature’s spectacular moths and a meaningful addition for art and nature lovers alike.
Bugs Series
Bugs gathers illustrations adapted from and inspired by founder Simon Tyler's book Bugs, published by Pavilion Children’s Books in 2017. The series celebrates the graphic elegance of insect life: armour-like exoskeletons, iridescent wings, compound eyes, and the ingenious mechanics of movement and camouflage. It’s a visual field guide reimagined—clean, bold forms and carefully tuned palettes that bring structure to the surface.
Each piece begins with the research-led drawings from the book and then goes further: refined linework, rebalanced composition, and subtle textural detailing designed for generous print sizes. The aim is clarity and presence — images that feel scientifically grounded yet striking on the wall. Printed with the same archival care as our other series, Bugs turns natural history into crisp, enduring graphic art.
Printing & Materials
Our Bugs series is produced in collaboration with specialist fine-art printing partners using museum-grade 250 gsm archival giclée paper.
Each print is made to order with exceptional precision and colour accuracy, using pigment-based inks for long-term stability and rich tonal depth.
Prints are carefully rolled in acid-free tissue and shipped in rigid cardboard tubes to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready for framing.
All materials and processes are chosen for their longevity, texture, and fidelity to the original artwork, reflecting our commitment to quality and craft.