I think I have done enough cute and cuddly animals since “Parasite Week” that it is safe to do a Wild Fact on a cool insect. What?!? There hasn’t been enough cute and fuzzy animals.  What about the Raccoon Dog, Senegal Galago, Little Penguin and who could forget the cutest salamander ever, the Axolotl. I think I have proved just how cute Wild Facts has been lately so let’s take a look at the Puss Moth (Centura venula).  I added the scientific name for today’s animal because I want everyone to know that we are just looking at the European Puss Moth and not the North American variety. I am sure most of you are up to date on your moth scientific names so you caught which moth we were talking about the minute you read the scientific name, right?

As mentioned this particular Puss Moth can be found across much of Europe and into North Africa.  We are going to look at the two stages of this interesting moth species.  First we will find out about the adult form and then venture in the more interesting caterpillar form.  The adult Puss Moth can become quite large with their wingspan being as large as 10 cm across.  They are pretty easy to spot since their dark black markings stick out like a sore thumb against the white background of their wings. I say these black spots stick out, however, they may not be that easy to see considering the Puss Moth is nocturnal. All right, enough about the “boring” adult.  Let’s move onto the more exciting caterpillar stage.

The Puss Moth caterpillar is fun to talk about since they have an unique defense mechanism that makes them dangerous.  You intrigued yet?  Both adults and caterpillars have many predators including bats, birds, frogs and rodents. When a predator approaches, the caterpillar will strike a defensive attack by spraying formic acid into the face of the oncoming killer.  Just to help you brush up on your chemistry, formic acid is often used as a preservative and is also found in bee and ant stings. This little defense mechanism has brought the title of “Most Dangerous Caterpillar in Britain” to the Puss Moth.  I bet they feel tough and unstoppable in Britain, until they are eaten by a bat.  Now you know why the caterpillar is much more fun than the adult and let’s face it the caterpillar looks way cooler too.

Thanks for reading today’s Wild Fact even though it was about a pesky insect.  Have a great day!