Goat Moth
Cossus cossus
This record describes Cossus cossus (species). Recorded family: Cossidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 68 to 96 mm. The Goat Moth gets its English name from the strong 'goat-like' odour of the caterpillar and is one of the heaviest British moths. Good photographs and/or the specimen required. The caterpillar burrows into the trunks of various deciduous trees, and feeds on the wood. Because of the long digestion period required for this food matter, the larvae often live for up to five years before pupating. It is locally widespread in the south though not common, and becomes scarcer further north in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B Generally rare or in rapid decline in VC55. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Cossus cossus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cossus cossus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Cossoidea
- Family
- Cossidae (Carpenter and Leopard Moths)
- Subfamily
- Cossinae
- Genus
- Cossus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The caterpillar burrows into the trunks of various deciduous trees, and feeds on the wood. Because of the long digestion period required for this food matter, the larvae often live for up to five years before pupating.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is locally widespread in the south though not common, and becomes scarcer further north in Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cossus cossus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Goat Moth (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Goat Moth
What is Goat Moth?
Goat Moth (Cossus cossus) is a species in the family Cossidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Goat Moth found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas.
When is Goat Moth active?
Goat Moth: seasonal activity - The adults fly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Goat Moth?
The caterpillar burrows into the trunks of various deciduous trees, and feeds on the wood. Because of the long digestion period required for this food matter, the larvae often live for up to five years before pupating.