Page 509 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Notodontidae
DISTRIBUTION Europe and across Asia to Japan
HABITAT Wet, lowland forests
HOST PLANTS Birch (Betula spp.), poplar (Populus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar that rears up and looks larger when threatened
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but locally rare

ADULT WINGSPAN

1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1 ⁄ in (40 mm)
CERURA ERMINEA
LESSER PUSS MOTH 507

ESPER, 1783

Lesser Puss Moth caterpillars hatch from reddish-brown,

attened eggs laid on the underside of leaves of the food plant.
Usually, the larvae remain high in the tree canopy as they
develop. When disturbed, the caterpillar acts defensively by
rearing up to look larger. It overwinters as a pupa, protected
within a tough cocoon made from wood shavings. The adults
are on the wing from May to July, with the caterpillars seen from
June to August.

The Cerura erminea caterpillar is very similar in appearance to its
close relative the Puss Moth (C. vinula) but lacks the red collar
and false eyes of the Puss Moth larva and also has a vertical
white mark halfway along the abdomen. Once more common,

the Lesser Puss Moth is su ering from the loss of lowland forests
rich in native black poplar trees. As a result, the species is often
classed as scarce or rare within its range.

The Lesser Puss Moth caterpillar is green, Actual size
with a dark brown dorsal band extending along
the length of the body into two long tails. The
band forms a V shape laterally and is edged in
white. The spiracles are ringed in brown.