Poodle Moth and other Cryptozoological Bugs

How often have you heard or read my lamentations over the scourge that is Photoshop? I’m sure it’s great software, who cares! What really bothers me is how often it’s used to perpetrate hoaxes on those of us interested in cryptozoological and paranormal topics.

When I saw the photo to the right, I first thought it was something out of a George Lucas movie, possibly related to those little bear things he had in some of the Star Wars stories. If not that, then surely someone used Photoshop to create the crazy looking little … thing. Would you believe, this animal is real?

What Is it?!

Let me introduce you to the Venezuelan Poodle Moth. Even the wings look furry! And what about those eyelashes?!  As horrified as I usually am by bugs, this one is, well, kind of cute!

Dr. Arthur Anker, a zoologist from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, has been studying the Venezuelan Poodle Moth as well as a large selection of other bizarre looking insects found in the Gran Sabana National Park of Venezuela.

Since we like bizarre and crazy looking animals here in CryptoVille, I thought I’d share some of them with you. Next up, here’s one described by Dr. Anker as “This one is very funny looking.” No kidding!

The next one looks more like a bug complete with “eew” factor! In other words, keep it away from me!

Named: Psychophasma erosa.

Moving on, here is Arctiidae. We’re definitely back into ugly bug mode here! Ick!

This one looks like it’s missing half of itself, but apparently it works for … Copiopteryx semiramis.

We’re almost back in cute mode again with this one. Look at the furry wings and some mega long antenna that look like funny ears. I’d still prefer it stay far away from me, though. Here is Trosia.

Next, Noctuidae. Well, it’s got a pretty pattern on it, that’s for sure.  I still don’t want to meet one!

Finally, Dr. Anker describes this one as “Pretty geometrid moth”. Yes, sort of pretty. Sort of really buggy looking, so again, I don’t need to meet one.

What’s so wonderful about these bugs, though, is how long the world has been unaware of them, and yet they survive, reproduce, go on with life. It’s great that Dr. Anker has found and photographed them. It gives me hope that one day we’ll have the same respect for and knowledge of the other wonderful cryptids that we love to seek!

What do you think about these little guys?

Til the next time!

4 comments

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