Page 511 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Notodontidae
DISTRIBUTION Europe, east to central Asia; also eastern China
HABITAT Damp woodlands and scrub
HOST PLANTS Poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar that has menacing eyespots and a red collar
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
2 ⁄ –3 in (58–75 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
3⅛ in (80 mm)
CERURA VINULA
PUSS MOTH 509

(LINNAEUS, 1758)

Puss Moth caterpillars hatch from red-colored eggs laid in
small groups on the upper side of leaves on the food plant.
The young larvae are black but gradually develop a green-
and-black coloring—a disruptive pattern that breaks up their
shape, helping to conceal them from predators. The caterpillar
overwinters in a tough cocoon formed from wood shavings,
which is attached to a tree trunk or post. The adult moths are on
the wing from April to July.

The Puss Moth caterpillar is best known for its conspicuous
defensive behavior. When disturbed, it takes on a menacing
appearance, rearing up and pulling its head into its thorax,
causing it to swell and reveal a bright red collar and two false
eyes, while the tails curl forward and the red laments appear.

To further deter a predator, the caterpillar can spray acid from
glands behind its head.

The Puss Moth caterpillar is bright green in
color with a dorsal, dark brown-black band,
outlined in white. The abdomen ends in two tails,
each terminating in an extendable, red, whiplike Actual size
lament. The red collar and false eyes are not
visible unless the caterpillar is disturbed.