Cyclophora pendulinaria

To me one of the more interesting things about this moth is its pupa. Apart from its unusual shape, the interesting thing is that it pupates in a manner similar to that of pierid and papilionid butterflies, with a silken girdle around the waist. It would serve as an excellent example to cite in answer to an examination question: "Explain what is meant by convergent evolution" - though there is always the danger that the examiner might not be familiar with it! The caterpillar feeds on alder, and the pupa overwinters.