Large Caterpillar ID Please

[Rain]

I just found this amazing looking caterpillar crawling on the outside wall of my house. It is about 2 and a half inches long and has a greenish brown leathery appearance. I would love to know what it is.

[charlieb]

It's the time of year for these! It's a Puss Moth Cerura vinula.

[Rain]

Thanks for the super fast reply, charlieb. We were scatching our heads here. Do you know what type of leaf it feeds on as it looked a bit lost and vulnerable on the wall.

[charlieb]

Aspen, Poplar and Willow are some of it's favourites

[Lance Morgan]

Its not lost it is prepupal. The plum colour means it is fully fed and is wandering to find somewhere to buld its coccoon and pupate. Normally this is on a piece of wood or bark or even old fence post .

[Rain]

Thanks Charlie and Lance. We have put it back where we found it and are acting as human scarecrows until it gets to where it is going!