Caterpillar camouflage. Side view of the larva of the inspuss mothins Cerura vinula, in camouflage posture. A green body with white spots camouflages this caterpillar among leaves of the willow and poplar trees on which it feeds. Its outline is broken up by a streak of dark green along its back. Two tails mimic a leaf stalk. When disturbed by a predator, this caterpillar can also defend itself. Cerura vinula displays false black eyes on a red facial hood (partly extended here) which enlarges its head in intimidation. Foul-smelling red tubules are ejected from its tail; and formic acid can be squirted from a gland on its body.