Puss Moth - Cerura vinula

Description

Wingspan 45-70 mm. Named after the cat-like appearance of the adult moth, which is white, marked with darker greys.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Gardens, hedgerows and open woodland.

When to see it

The adult flies from May to July and frequently comes to light.

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.

UK 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.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)

Reference
71.003 BF1995

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Puss Moth
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Notodontidae
Records on NatureSpot:
45
First record:
05/06/1999 (Cranfield, John)
Last record:
07/08/2023 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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