Mystery Caterpillar

[Garden Manager]

I found this whilst trimming a willow in my garden yesterday evening. Gave me quite a start i can tell you!

its between 2.5 and 3 inches long (about 5 to 7.5 cms), and seems to live and feed on the willow (salix alba) exclusively.

Can anyone identify it for me? It looks like something from outer space!


Head on veiw


Top Veiw of back markings


Side view with my fingers for scale!

What i really want to know is is it something I should worry about having in the garden - is it a pest or is it harmless?

Thanks

[Garden Manager]

[Georgie]

According to my book it is a Puss Moth.  Feeds on sallow, willow, aspen and poplar so sounds like your crops will be safe.   :)

G x

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's correct; no need to be concerned about that one.

[Garden Manager]

According to my book it is a Puss Moth.  Feeds on sallow, willow, aspen and poplar so sounds like your crops will be safe.   :)

G x

Great! Thanks for clearing up that mystery for me Georgie.

[Georgie]

You're welcome.  BTW, in my haste to answer a question for once I forgot to say what fab photos they are.   ;D

G x

[Garden Manager]

You're welcome.  BTW, in my haste to answer a question for once I forgot to say what fab photos they are.   ;D

G x

Thanks. I am starting to get the hang of close up photography now I think!

[deboydoyd]

Takes me back to my youth, my brother used to collect these and feed them up till they pupated. If threatened they lift there back end up and wave there forked tail about.