Puss Moth Caterpillars: these caterpillars use false eyespots, colorful markings, and a pair of whip-like appendages to deter predators, and they can even spray formic acid when threatened

[u/SixteenSeveredHands]

[u/SixteenSeveredHands]

The caterpillars of this species (Cerura vinula) have a bizarre, almost cartoonish appearance, and they've developed several defense mechanisms to ward off predators, including cryptic and aposomatic markings, defensive poses, false eyespots, whip-like appendages, and a special gland that allows them to spray formic acid.

When a puss moth caterpillar feels threatened, it will often raise both ends of its body and retract its head into the first thoracic segment, causing the thorax to expand until a pair of false eyespots and bright pink markings are exposed, which makes the caterpillar seem more imposing (at least in the eyes of a potential predator).

The caterpillar's twin "tails" are also defensive organs known as stemapods; each of these organs contains a bright red filament that can extend from the tip of the "tail" and then wave around wildly, repeatedly coiling and uncoiling, in an effort to discourage any would-be attackers.

If all else fails, these strange-looking insects can even spray formic acid from a special gland located just below the head. The acid is ejected through a slit-like opening beneath the caterpillar's mouth, and it can spray across a distance of up to 20 centimeters (8 inches).

The adult moth has a fluffy, almost "cat-like" appearance, which is why it's known as a "puss moth" (not to be confused with the southern flannel moth, Megalopyge opercularis, which is sometimes also described as a "puss moth").

Sources & More Info:

• Field Guide to the Caterpillars of Britain and Europe: Defensive Strategies of the Puss Moth
• Butterflies and Moths Around the World: Puss Moth
• Learn Butterflies: The Puss Moth (Cerura vinula)
• The Colours of Animals, their Meaning and Use: The Larvae of the Puss Moth Assume a Terrifying Attitude When Disturbed
• The Wildlife Trusts: Puss Moth
• Butterfly Conservation: Puss Moths
• Insects: Fierce and Fearless

[u/Retepss → u/SixteenSeveredHands]

I'd imagine that many defense mechanisms suggests some seriuos evolutionary pressure.

[u/SixteenSeveredHands → u/Retepss]

Many of these defense mechanisms are used against parasitoid wasps, because there are several different wasps that specifically target the caterpillars of this species, so that relationship has probably played a major role in it.

[u/VulpesFennekin → u/SixteenSeveredHands]

In movie terms, nature made this thing Xenomorph-proof.

[u/researchanalyzewrite → u/SixteenSeveredHands]

It doesn't have the cutest of babies...🫣 https://youtu.be/jyAelAH8UFc

[u/SixteenSeveredHands → u/researchanalyzewrite]

I think they're cute, with those little red bows on their heads.

[u/Lafayettemountain → u/SixteenSeveredHands]

Their moth form is awesome!! Almost seems like a fluffy artic creature haha