Puss Moth
Cerura vinula
This record describes Cerura vinula (species). Recorded family: Notodontidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 45-70 mm. Named after the cat-like appearance of the adult moth, which is white, marked with darker greys. The adult flies from May to July and frequently comes to light. The striking caterpillar feeds on Aspen as well as Poplar and Willow. When disturbed, it raises its head and waves the twin tails, which have pinkish extendable flagellae. This species is fairly common throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Notodontidae
- Genus
- Cerura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens, hedgerows and open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The adult flies from May to July and frequently comes to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The striking caterpillar feeds on Aspen as well as Poplar and Willow. When disturbed, it raises its head and waves the twin tails, which have pinkish extendable flagellae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is fairly common throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cerura vinula. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Puss Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Puss Moth
What is Puss Moth?
Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) is a species in the family Notodontidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Puss Moth found?
Habitat: Gardens, hedgerows and open woodland.
When is Puss Moth active?
Puss Moth: seasonal activity - The adult flies from May to July and frequently comes to light..
What is the life cycle of a Puss Moth?
The striking caterpillar feeds on Aspen as well as Poplar and Willow. When disturbed, it raises its head and waves the twin tails, which have pinkish extendable flagellae.