An interesting species. Although the European puss moth caterpillar C.vinula doesn't deliver an electric shock it does have a surprising defence mechanism, it squirts formic acid from its head at its attacker, which in the wild is often birds. Formic acid on the skin does create a short lasting sensation that might feel like a mild electric shock, so if one wasn't familiar with this species secret weapon they might be forgiven for thinking they've been buzzed. The unrelated North American puss moth Megalopyge opercularis is another one not to handle, even though it looks quite cute, underneath its fluffy hairs are hidden venomous spines that instantly irritate the skin when touched - Ouch.
29th August 1891 in the Manchester City News
An interesting species. Although the European puss moth caterpillar C.vinula doesn't deliver an electric shock it does have a surprising defence mechanism, it squirts formic acid from its head at its attacker, which in the wild is often birds. Formic acid on the skin does create a short lasting sensation that might feel like a mild electric shock, so if one wasn't familiar with this species secret weapon they might be forgiven for thinking they've been buzzed. The unrelated North American puss moth Megalopyge opercularis is another one not to handle, even though it looks quite cute, underneath its fluffy hairs are hidden venomous spines that instantly irritate the skin when touched - Ouch.
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