Puss Moth

Name: Puss Moth

Scientific name: Cerura vinula

Category: Minibeasts

Nature Stars: 40

What are nature stars?

About:

A fairly common moth which is found in woodlands, parks and gardens.

Find out more about the puss moth on its feature creature page.

How to identify: A light coloured moth with grey and black marbled markings. It is covered in soft fur and has a wingspan of 65 to 80mm. The caterpillar is green with a red-ringed 'face' and two long whip-like spikes at it's rear. Before pupating the caterpillar changes colour to orange and then purple.

Where: Found in most areas of the UK

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 10
• Agility: 20
• Rarity: 20
• Cute factor: 60
• Traveller: 20

Fantastic fact: Puss moths have soft fur like cats and the caterpillars can squirt out formic acid to defend themselves.

Photograph credit: Andy Phillips (Flickr)