Moths are often thought of as a fearsome version of butterflies, however, to classify them in this way would be a serious mistake. Moths have their own charms that are hidden in the amazing patterns on their wings, but this species of Lepidoptera also has what is arguably the fluffiest insect of all, which due to its appearance is called the poodle moth or moth. poodle.
This beautiful moth is the clear example that we know little about the amazing creatures of nature, because despite the fact that biologists have dedicated entire centuries to the study of the tree of life where all known species are stipulated, they have still not been able to know for complete the planet’s biodiversity.
As recently as 2009, while biologist Arthur Parker was on a field expedition in the Venezuelan Gran Sabana, he discovered a moth never seen before at that time. He described it as a poodle moth because of its fluffy and hairy appearance, very similar to a dog of this breed. It was then recognized as a new species of insect of the Lepidoptera order.
Since then, this insect has generated curiosity among nature lovers, one of them, Dr. Klaus Shuker, described it as «monstrously adorable» due to its bulging eyes and its strange brown antenna that make it look like a creature out of a magical tale. Shuker also speculated that the poodle moth could be evolutionarily related to Diaphora mendica, another species of moth that inhabits Europe, however, this information has not been verified.
What is the poodle moth like?
This species of lepidoptera has so far only been sighted in situ in the Venezuelan Gran Sabana, although it is unknown if its habitat extends to other regions of South America. The appearance of the moth is simply amazing, with a body completely covered in dense, curly white fur. Even its legs are hidden under its fluffy coat and its wings are no exception, although the fur in this region is shorter than the rest of its body.
But in addition to its plush appearance, the poodle moth stands out for its large bulging eyes that give it a touch of tenderness to the human eye and its pair of brownish antennae with almost golden reflections that resemble a pair of large eyelashes. .
Not much is known about the poodle moth, so it is not known whether it belongs to a species never seen before or is a variation of a known moth. Its origin is so mysterious that to this day it does not have a scientific name, the only thing that is known is that it is a lepidoptera of the group of species known as arthropods.
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