ˈpuss-moth
[f. puss n.1 + moth: see quot. 1806.]
A large European bombycid moth, Cerura (Dicranura) vinula, having the fore-wings of a whitish or light grey colour with darker markings and spots.
| 1806 Shaw Gen. Zool. VI. 228 This moth [Phalæna Vinula], from its unusually downy appearance, has obtained the popular title of the Puss Moth. 1817 Kirby & Sp. Entomol. xxi. (1818) II. xxii. 289 The caterpillar of the puss-moth..and some others, instead of the anal prolegs, have two tails or horns. 1869 Newman Brit. Moths 216 When the caterpillars of the Puss-moth are about..to form their cocoons, the whole ground colour changes to a dull brown. 1881 E. A. Ormerod Injur. Insects (1890) 266. |