G.O.A.T.

Goat Moth

Cossus cossus

An impressive Moth and seldom seen, leading me at times in the past to wonder if they even exist! They are slightly different to most in the early life stages, in that instead of feeding on juicy, nutrient-rich leaves or plants as caterpillars, they bore into wood and spend several years getting the goodness they need before being ready to pupate. It’s when they’re larvae that they smell like Goats, hence their common name!