The Caucasus Goat Moth (Cossus cossus araraticus) is a large insect.

The Caucasus Goat Moth has greyish-brown wings marked with fine, dark cross lines. It has a wide, fluffy body and short antennae.

Caucasus Goat Moth

It has a wingspan of 7-10 centimetres (3-4 inches).

The Goat Moth is found in northern Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Caucasus Goat Moth is found in the Caucasus region, in countries such as Iran, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

The female moth lays eggs which hatch into larvae – caterpillars. The caterpillars feen on plant material, taking 3-5 years to mature. When the caterpillars mature, they pupate – they form a casing called a cocoon. Each pupa undergoes metamorphosis and a moth emerges from the cocoon.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM