Page 590 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Nolidae
DISTRIBUTION Southern Europe, central Europe, southern Russia,
southern Scandanavia, and Turkey
HABITAT Warm and wet riparian forests
HOST PLANTS White Poplar (Populus alba)

NOTE Pale gray caterpillar that is covered in ne hairs
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
¾–1 in (20–25 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
⁄ –¾ in (15–20 mm)
EARIAS VERNANA
SILVER POPLAR SPINNER
588
(FABRICIUS, 1787)

The caterpillars of the Silver Poplar Spinner moth hatch from
eggs that are laid on the leaves of the host plant. The larvae feed
on leaves at the end of branches, where they live within a leaf
shelter secured by silk. The mature caterpillar spins a pale brown
cocoon on a stem or twig in which to pupate and overwinter.

The night- ying moths are on the wing from April to August,
and there are usually two generations a year, from April to
June and July to August. In the south of the range, there may
even be a third generation, while in the more northerly regions
a single generation is more usual. The species is less common in
the north, where it is increasingly rare due to the loss of riparian
forests. Earias vernana is often mistaken for E. clorana, which is
found in similar habitats.

Actual size
The Silver Poplar Spinner caterpillar has a
plump, sluglike body, which is covered in long,
pale hairs. It is overall a pale gray color with
darker gray patches and dark spiracles. There
is a faint dorsal line.