Puss Moth Larvea (Cerura vinula) instar just about to split its skin. life cycle, 1 of 15 images.

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The front of its head has just popped off and can be seen, still just attached but clearly too far forward for a normal position. The next stage is splitting the skin from head to tail, it will then pull itself clear of the old skin, turn round and eat some of it. Note the common froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) below it.

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Size: 5296px × 3488px
Location: Grimsby, UK
Photo credit: © fotolincs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: biodiversity, caterpiller, cycle, froghopper, insect, instar, leaves, life, philaenus, poplar, skin, spumarius