PUSS MOTH |
CERURA VINULA |
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| Fig 1 |
ADULT: Wingspan 50-80mm. An impressively marked moth with a greyish-white ground colour throughout. The furry abdomen is striped with black and white with the thorax spotted with similar colours. The wings are marked with black and orange sharp longitudinal lines giving a somewhat marbled appearance. CHRYSALIS: Hard and spun in a cocoon against the bark of a tree. LARVA: A spectacular caterpillar and found on poplars, willows and aspen. When disturbed, it raises its head and waves the twin tails, which have pinkish extendable flagellae. As an extra defense it can spray formic acid from its head. BEHAVIOUR: Attracted to light. HABITAT: Woodland, gardens, hedgerows, scrub and carr. FLIGHT PERIOD: Single brooded. May to July. STATUS: Resident. Common. |