Cerura Collection

Lesser puss moth, Cerura erminea
Lesser puss moth or feline, Cerura erminea. Phalaena erminea. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Johann Georg Klinger from Eugenius Johann Christoph Espers Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen nach

Puss Moth (Cerura vinula), showing antennae, Derbyshire, UK. May

Defensive
Jimmy Hoffman

Puss moth, Cerura vinula, male, female, larva, pupa, chrysalis. Phalaena vinula. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Johann Georg Klinger from Eugenius Johann Christoph Espers Die Schmetterlinge in

Eastern eggar and small eggar moths
Eastern eggar, Eriogaster catax, and small eggar, Eriogaster lanestris. Phalaena lentipes, Phalaena lanestris. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Johann Georg Klinger from Eugenius Johann

Curtis British Entomology Plate 193
Lepidoptera: Cerura latifasciata = Harpyia bifida (Poplar Kitten) [Plant: Geum rivale (Water Avens)] Date: 1824-39

Puss moth (Cerura vinula) near Lough Bunny, County Clare, Ireland. April. Small repro only

Cerura vinula, puss moth
Watercolour on paper, c.1831 by Elizabeth Davy (d.1836). From the Elizabeth Davy collection of Butterflies & moths. Held in the Library and Archives Date: circa 1831

Illustration, Drepanulidae -- Notodontidae -- Cilix Glaucata, Drepana Binaria, Platypteryx Falcataria, Cerura Vinula, Cerura Erminea, Cerura Bifida, Hybocampa Milhauseri, Stauropus Fagi

Picture No. 10895992
Lesser Puss Moth - catalepsy (Death feigning posture) (Cerura erminea) Date:

Picture No. 10896014
Lesser Puss Moth - female and its eggs on birch leaf (Cerura erminea) Date:

Picture No. 10895988
Lesser Puss Moth (Cerura erminea) Date:

Cerura vinula, puss moth caterpillar
Side view photograph of a puss moth caterpillar. The caterpillars two tails can be seen which it holds in the air when disturbed by any predators

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The Cerura, also known as the Lesser puss moth (Cerura erminea), is a fascinating creature with its own unique defense mechanisms. This species belongs to the family Drepanulidae -- Notodontidae and can be found in various regions such as Derbyshire, UK, County Clare, Ireland, and beyond. One of the most distinctive features of the Cerura is its antennae, which are clearly visible in this picture taken in May in Derbyshire. These long appendages help it navigate its surroundings and detect potential threats or sources of food. In terms of appearance, the Cerura vinula or Puss Moth showcases beautiful patterns on its wings. Its soft fur-like texture gives it a cuddly appearance but don't be fooled. When threatened, these moths display their defensive behavior by extending spiky projections from their bodies. This adaptation serves as a warning sign to predators that they should think twice before attacking. Interestingly enough, this defensive mechanism is not limited to just one species within the genus Cerura. The Eastern eggar and small eggar moths also possess similar tactics for protection against potential harm. This illustration from Curtis British Entomology Plate 193 captures the intricate details of these remarkable creatures. Their camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly into their natural habitat while still showcasing their vibrant colors when necessary. Whether you encounter a Puss Moth near Lough Bunny in Ireland or stumble upon one elsewhere around the world, take a moment to appreciate nature's wonders like this Drepanulidae -- Notodontidae member -the Cerura- with all its beauty and intriguing defenses intact.