Puss Moth

Quick Take

• This moth's caterpillar packs a chemical weapon borrowed from one of nature's most notorious fighters, which is not what you'd expect from something so fluffy. See the caterpillar's defense →
• Its cat-like appearance isn't just a quirk. There is a specific reason this moth looks the way it does, and it goes beyond coincidence. Explore the cat-like look →
• Human lights don't attract moths for the reason most people think, and the real explanation involves something far older than electricity. Discover the moon navigation fact →
• The puss moth's wingspan range is surprisingly wide, and the dramatic difference between males and females hints at something deeper about the species. Check the wingspan range →

The puss moth is a large moth with a soft, striped, and fluffy coat that makes it look like a cat. That’s where it gets its name. This strikingly beautiful moth lives in the dense woodlands, moors, and hedges of Europe, but it sometimes visits people’s gardens.

Puss moths are mostly active at night.

4 Incredible Puss Moth Facts

• Moths use the moon to help them navigate. That’s why human lights can confuse them.
• Like every moth, the puss moth starts its life cycle as an egg and later hatches as a larva, or caterpillar.
• The changes the caterpillar goes through are known as “instars.”
• Puss moth caterpillars defend themselves if they’re attacked. They use small whips attached to their wings and can also squirt formic acid, which is the same venom ants use.

Species, Type, and Scientific Names

Puss moths belong to the insect family Notodontidae of the order Lepidoptera. Moths and butterflies both belong to Lepidoptera. The name Lepidoptera means “scale-winged.” It refers to the tiny scales that cover the wings of both types of insects. The scientific name of the puss moth is Cerura vinula.

Appearance

The puss moth is solitary. The female puss moth spends most of her time in trees. That’s where she lays eggs.

It is easy to recognize a puss moth because of its large size, furry texture, and marbled appearance. It resembles the coat of a striped cat. The puss moth is a medium to large-sized moth, with a wingspan of approximately 45 to 78 mm (about 1.8 to 3.1 inches). The males are slightly smaller than the females.

Habitat

These moths prefer to live in aspen, willow, or poplar trees because those are their preferred leaves. They are active from April to August, though in some regions the season may begin in May.

These moths are common throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. They also live in parts of China and North Africa.

Diet

The larvae of these moths eat the leaves of trees. They prefer poplars, aspens, and willows.