Pupa ID please

[poptremula]

I found this pupa about one metre from the high-tide mark of a small loch in the Scottish Highlands a few weeks ago. I have no idea what it is and would appreciate any help with identifying it. The picture is pretty poor, but it will give a general idea of size.

The pupa was made of a very hard material and had visible 'stitching'; especially at the end/entrance, which was drawn-in like a duffle-bag. When I held it up to the sun I could see a large black something inside. It was aware that it was being handled and was giving a very substantial 'kick' that had quite a lot of force for such a small thing.

Very puzzling!

[eucera]

Hi

I am pretty sure that this is a cocoon of our only native silk-moth aka The Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia.

The species feeds on Heather (among other things) and is pretty widespread in UK

Cheers, Stuart

[poptremula]

Thanks a lot for that. I google'd your suggestion and think you are spot on