Giant Bess Beetle vs Goat Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Bess Beetle Goat Moth
Scientific Name Passalus punctiger Cossus cossus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Passalidae Cossidae
Size 35-50 mm 68-96 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions South America Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Bess Beetle

A very large, robust bess beetle with a glossy black exoskeleton and strong mandibles. It creates extensive tunnel systems in large fallen trees. Multiple generations may coexist within a single log.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate in protective cases made from frass that parents help construct.

Goat Moth

A large moth whose caterpillars bore deep into hardwood trees for up to four years.

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Did You Know?

Larvae emit a strong goat-like odor from which the moth gets its name.