Apart from seeing so many wonderful mushrooms, I also spotted a lot of wild life. I believe this is the larvae of a goat moth (Cossus cossus). I have been reading about this incredible creature, and I think I spotted it just as it was burrowing its way into the ground to pupate. Had I known this at the time, I would have waited to witness that marvel. I read on Woodland Trust's website that the larvae burrow holes into the broadleaf trees such as oak or ash. They spend up to five years growing until they're ready to pupate. In August and September, they leave their burrow homes to pupate on the ground by wrapping themselves in a soil cocoon. Apparently, the goat moth gets its name from the musky goatlike smell of the caterpillar. Well, had I also known that at the time, I would have given it a sniff. 😂 I also read that they don't feed as adults or they're incapable of feeding themselves. Does anyone know why or how they sustain themselves as adults, and how long do they live? Many thanks in advance!
#goatmothcaterpillar#goatmothlarvae#cossuscossuslarvae#cossuscossuscaterpillar#nature#naturephotography
We finally got the perfect combo of gorgeous weather on a non-work day for our long-awaited mushroom hunt 🍄 We found so many! I also fell on my bum and Monika has an unexplained injury, but it was still worth it! Prepare for millions of fungi photos 😊 @thegreenofgreens#nofilter#fungifriday#mushroom
