Goat Moth (Cossus cossus, (Linnaeus, 1758))

General Information
The vernacular name comes from the strong 'goaty' odour of the caterpillar.

Overwinters three or four times as larva and in a cocoon in the final year.

The larvae feed internally by boring through the bark and heartwood of a wide variety of broadleaved trees. They are normally found in old or damaged trees where they can gain access more easily.
Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.

Forewing length: 32-42mm.
Foodplant(s): sallows (Salix spp.), willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), birches (Betula spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), fruit trees, broadleaved trees
Flying: One generation, June-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Nationally Scarce B

Habitat

Riverbanks, fens and marshes. Favours low lying damp situations prone to flooding.

Regional Information

Recorded in 28 (10.4%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in July 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 21 May to 13 August

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 11 April to 21 December

0162 (ABH50.001) Goat Moth Cossus cossus, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR04151