Notodontidae: Notodontinae

08704 Puss Moth Cerura vinula, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1995 (ABH71.003)

Gotse Delchev, 4th May 2014. Light trap. Male.
Gotse Delchev, 4th May 2014. Light trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Gotse Delchev, 4th May 2014. Light trap. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019

General Information

The puss moth is pale grey and white with a thick fluffy body and delicately patterned forewings.

 

The caterpillars can be found in sunny positions on the food plant and are found in twos or threes on one tree. They are very large and striking, but are surprisingly difficult to see as their colouration helps to break-up their outline.

 

When threatened, they will rear up and produce red threads from their tails.

 

Pupates in a hard cocoon incorporating macerated wood on the foodplant.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes come to light, males more often than females.

Forewing length: 29-38mm.
Foodplant(s): poplars (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.)
Flying: One generation, May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status:

Habitat

Gardens, hedgerows, open woodland, moorland, scrub and carr.

Regional Information

There are no records in the system yet in Bulgaria.

Similar Species
Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
With lumps, bumps or horn(s)
Colours:
Green, black, red, brown
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5