A. caja to later use these toxins in an altered form for protection. Diapause The larvae of this species overwinter in ground vegetation, and in spring they finish larval development and pupate. Interactions with humans The hairs on the caterpillars are known to cause hives and irritation in humans, as well as other mammals. The adults’ spray can also cause irritation, and rare cases of “stinging” sensations have been recorded. Conservation The garden tiger moth is now protected in the UK under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Its numbers in the UK have declined by 89% over the past 30 years. The BAP in 2007 added the garden tiger moth to its list of species in need of habitat protection in light of these recent declines in suitable habitat. The plan aims to provide greater habitat protection and conservation, with the hopes of stabilizing the A. caja populations that remain in the UK. Synthetic food The garden tiger moth population decline is of concern for both laboratory research and in nature. A possible way to combat this in a laboratory setting is to use synthetic food. While not ideal, it resolves many issues that arise when trying to raise captive Lepidoptera. Concerns such as food sterility are quickly resolved, along with issues of gathering hard to find or cultivate host plant material. Many larvae, including those of A. caja, can consume synthetic food, which is based primarily on agar, powdered cellulose, cabbage, sucrose, salts, and wheat germ. Synthetic options appear to be a promising way to raise lab populations of this species, for conservation or for study. References Ebert, Günter (ed.) (1997): Die Schmetterlinge Baden-Württembergs. Vol.5: Nachtfalter III (Sesiidae, Arctiidae, Noctuidae). Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart. External links Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa Fauna Europaea Taxonomy, distribution Lepiforum.de Schmetterling-raupe.de Insektenbox.de Arctiina Moths described in 1758 Moths of Asia Moths of Europe Moths of North America Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus