Page 537 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Notodontidae
DISTRIBUTION Europe, east across Asia (excluding the south) to Japan
HABITAT Woodlands, especially beech (Fagus spp.), scrub, hedgerows,
and orchards
HOST PLANTS Various trees and shrubs, including apple (Malus spp.), beech
(Fagus spp.), birch (Betula spp.), Hazel (Corylus avellana),
lime (Tilia spp.), and willow (Salix spp.)
NOTE Caterpillar whose bizarre outline is the perfect disguise
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
2–2¾ in (50–70 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
2¾ in (70 mm)
STAUROPUS FAGI
LOBSTER MOTH 535

(LINNAEUS, 1758)

Lobster Moth caterpillars hatch from small, round eggs laid
singly on leaves. The young larvae, which in their initial instar
feed only on their eggshell, are mimics of ants or small spiders,
and, if disturbed, they wiggle like an injured ant. They are also
aggressive and will attack any approaching small insect. With
each molt, the caterpillars take on a more extreme appearance,
with long legs and an enlarged abdomen. The mature larvae
move to the ground, where they pupate in a cocoon in the
leaf litter and overwinter. The adult moths are on the wing in
May and June.

The species gets its common name from the strange crustacean-
like appearance of the red-brown caterpillar, providing a perfect
disguise against its host plant. When disturbed, the caterpillar
raises its head and “tail” over its body and extends its long legs
forward. It can also squirt formic acid from glands below the
thorax to deter predators, such as small birds or ichneumon
wasps that may try to parasitize it.

The Lobster Moth caterpillar is red brown in
color, with a large head and extra-long, ant-like
legs. It has a series of raised dorsal humps on
segments four to seven and a much enlarged
posterior segment, ending in thin claspers that
extend out behind the abdomen.

Actual size