Goat Moth
ExploreInsects
Goat Moth
Cossus cossus
The Goat Moth is a big, furry moth that looks a bit like a fluffy goat! It has a unique, soft body and loves to fly around at night, making it special and fun to spot.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Goat Moth is a large, sturdy moth with a mottled grey and brown appearance, often blending seamlessly with tree bark. Its forewings feature intricate dark lines and a pattern resembling cracked wood. Unlike many moths, it has a robust, thick body and relatively short antennae.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyCossidaeGenusCossus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Goat Moth caterpillars can live hidden inside trees for up to five whole years!
Some ancient Romans actually considered roasted Goat Moth caterpillars a yummy snack!
The caterpillars give off a strong smell, which is how the moth got its "Goat" name!
When it's time to transform, caterpillars make tough cocoons woven from wood fragments!
Special abilities
Ability
Wood Burrower
Goat Moth caterpillars can bore extensive tunnels deep into tree trunks because of their powerful mandibles that helps them create sheltered homes and access food.
Ability
Odoriferous Defense
Goat Moth caterpillars can emit a strong, unpleasant scent because of special glands that helps them deter potential predators.
Ability
Reproduction Focus
Adult Goat Moths can survive for weeks without eating because they store all needed energy as a caterpillar that helps them focus only on mating.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 70-100 mm
- Size
- 50-70 mm
- Lifespan
- 1095-1825 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Young Goat Moths munch on tree wood, while adults famously don't eat at all!
Age differences: Larvae bore into and feed on tree wood; adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed.
Primary Foods
- willow wood
- poplar wood
- oak wood
- apple wood
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
White Willow
Salix alba
Larvae tunnel and feed on its wood.
eats
European Aspen
Populus tremula
Caterpillars bore into the trunk and branches.
eats
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
A host tree for the wood-boring larvae.
hunts
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
Preys on larvae hidden in tree trunks.
eaten by
Greater Mouse-eared Bat
Myotis myotis
Adult moths are part of their diet.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Moths are usually harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goat Moth's wingspan?
70-100 mm
How big is Goat Moth?
50-70 mm
How long does Goat Moth live?
1095-1825 days
What does Goat Moth eat?
Young Goat Moths munch on tree wood, while adults famously don't eat at all!
Where is Goat Moth usually found?
Forests
How does Goat Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Goat Moth have?
6
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