Page 592 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Nolidae
DISTRIBUTION Across Europe into western Russia; also Japan
HABITAT Woodlands, scrub, parks, and gardens
HOST PLANTS Various deciduous trees, including alder (Alnus spp.),
birch (Betula spp.), and oak (Quercus spp.)
NOTE Plump, green caterpillar that pupates in a boat-shaped cocoon
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 ⁄ –1¾ in (30–45 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1⅜ in (35 mm)

PSEUDOIPS PRASINANUS
GREEN SILVER-LINES
590
(LINNAEUS, 1758)

The caterpillars of the Green Silver-lines moth emerge from
reddish-brown, attened eggs laid in batches of up to 250 on the

underside of leaves. The larvae rest on the leaf underside during
the day and become active at night. They crawl down the tree
to pupate in a crevice in the bark or in the leaf litter, spinning a
brown, boat-shaped cocoon. The pupa overwinters and ecloses
the following spring.

The adult moths are bright green in color and are on the
wing in June and July. There is usually a single generation,
but occasionally a second generation appears in late summer.
The moths rest on tree trunks during the day, fly at night,
and are attracted to light. The common name derives from
the distinctive silvery, diagonal lines on the green forewings.
The equally green caterpillars can be seen from mid-July to
as late as October.

The Green Silver-lines caterpillar is short
and plump. It is green, with a dorsal band of
yellow-green cross shapes and dots, bounded
on both sides by a yellow line. There are similar
lateral markings. The end of the abdomen has
Actual size a forked clasper edged in red. The head is dark
green, bounded by a yellow band.