Scoliopteryx libatrix

The Herald

The Herald Moth spends the winter as an adult, and is consequently one of the first moths to herald in the spring, which is doubtless why it has borne the name Herald since 1782. The caterpillar is to be found from June to September on willow. It has a whitish bloom underneath, and it wriggles violently. Pupation is in a semi-cocoon - that is, it folds some leaves together with silk to make a sort of cocoon, but it leaves the top open. The pupa is dull black. The tongue of the adult is supposed to be strong enough to pierce the skins of fruits, though I have not witnessed this myself.