Notodontidae: Cerurinae

1995 (ABH71.003) Puss Moth Cerura vinula, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR08704

ex. larva, Paxton Pits
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
ex. larva, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Monks Wood, 20th June 2008. MV light trap.
Monks Wood, 20th June 2008. MV light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2021. Light trap. Female.
Hemingford Grey, 09-05-2021. Light trap. Female.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Storrington, W Sussex, 5th May 2018. Male. Light trap.
Storrington, W Sussex, 5th May 2018. Male. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Storrington, W Sussex, 5th May 2018. Male - defensive posture. Light trap.
Storrington, W Sussex, 5th May 2018. Male - defensive posture. Light trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
28th June 2008, Dillington
28th June 2008, Dillington
 Photo © Peter Bissell
5th July 2008, Dillington
5th July 2008, Dillington
 Photo © Peter Bissell
5th July 2008, Dillington
5th July 2008, Dillington
 Photo © Peter Bissell
12th July 2008, Dillington
12th July 2008, Dillington
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Hemingford Grey, 1st instar. Ex female to light trap, 9th May 2021.
Hemingford Grey, 1st instar. Ex female to light trap, 9th May 2021.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 2nd instar. Ex female to light trap, 9th May 2021.
Hemingford Grey, 2nd instar. Ex female to light trap, 9th May 2021.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 3rd Aug. 2015. 4th instar
Hemingford Grey, 3rd Aug. 2015. 4th instar
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, Aug 2015. about to change to final instar
Hemingford Grey, Aug 2015. about to change to final instar
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015.
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, Aug 2015. Final instar.
Hemingford Grey, Aug 2015. Final instar.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015. Threatening display.
Hemingford Grey, 5th instar larva, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015. Threatening display.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015. 5th instar in prepupal colours.
Hemingford Grey, ex Aspen suckers Aug 2015. 5th instar in prepupal colours.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cocoon, Paxton Pits
Cocoon, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Cocoon, Paxton Pits
Cocoon, Paxton Pits
 Photo © Peter Bissell


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: Common

Habitat

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

Regional Information

Recorded in 57 (21.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 12 April to 25 July

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 23 March to 19 September

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina


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