Notodontidae

71.004 Feline Cerura erminea (Esper, 1783)

Immigrant / overlooked resident Jersey

Similar species: Puss Moth Cerura vinula has a wavy double bar across the forewing rather than large zig-zag markings with dark ovals at the leading edge. It also has a black and grey barred dorsal to the abdomen rather than an almost black dorsal.

Forewing: 27 to 33mm

Habitats: Damp woodland, scrub and carr.

Habits: The moth comes to light.

Foodplant: The early stages have not been recorded in Britain. On the European mainland the larva feeds on willows, Aspen, poplars, birches and possibly other deciduous trees. It pupates in a hard cocoon attached to a twig on the foodplant.