Paul Keene

Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England

Garden tiger moth (Arctia caja) close-up

"The garden tiger was a common moth when I was young and I would often see the 'woolly bear' caterpillars crawling across the foothpath. However, like most moth species, they are much more rare now. The caterpillars feed on nettles (as do many of our favourite butterflies) so it is worthwhile helping them out by keeping a rough, uncultivated patch in your garden. The striking warning colours and distinct patterns make an interesting abstract image."