Cerura vinula

Puss Moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Notodontidae
Genus:	Cerura
Species:	C. vinula
Binomial name
Cerura vinula (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) is a lepidopteran from the family Notodontidae.

The moth can be found in Europe and North Africa. It has a wingspan of 58 to 75 mm. The moth survives the winter as a Pupa in a very solid, wood reinforced cocoon, attached to a tree or pole.

The host plants of the moth are the willow and the poplar, especially the aspen. When disturbed, the caterpillars strike a defensive pose and might squirt formic acid at the attacker if the defense warning is unheeded.

This moth is mostly discovered in very dense and woodland areas.

• 

  Caterpillar

• 

  Caterpillar frontal view

• 

Video of Cerura vinula